Memories of Mom's Ministries

As we watched The Secrets of Mr. Sperry, my husband said Mr. Sperry reminds him of my mother and her ministries with young people. Children really do need someone to invest in their lives. I'm glad Mom was willing not only to impact her own children but also a host of others. Mom worked with Child Evangelism Fellowship in their Good News Clubs and Five Day Clubs. She helped with vacation Bible schools, too. I was fascinated with the flannel board figures and backgrounds she used to tell the Bible stories. She made memorizing scripture verses fun. Her illustrated songs helped us remember them easily. She donated her Chevrolet to pull the "Chapel on Wheels," a trailer set up like a tiny church. Later Dr. Dahlberg hired Mom to do the children's church for the First Presbyterian Church. Before they moved to their current location, she used their chapel. I remember her creative efforts: Peter (aka son-in-law Mark) with his fishing boat on the shore of the lake, a simulated jet ride to Africa, and elaborate sets for special puppet shows, to name a few. At their new location, Mom continued using special effects and guest appearances by Bible characters, a pirate, and clowns. She always made sure to teach Bible truths instead of focusing on entertainment. Years later, young adults or their parents would stop by to express their thanks for the solid Bible foundation they received. Mom even visited the Christian fellowship clubs at my public school and my husband's Christian school. Each school year, she would volunteer in my classes so she could pick out a troubled child who needed a mentor. Like Mr. Sperry, Mom made a difference in the lives of countless children. It reminds me of someone dropping a pebble in a pond. It may be a small action, but the effects keep rippling out farther and farther away.