Hi friends,
Jan* sent me this story from her week — and I thought it might encourage you like it did me.
“Our church ran a daycare centre as a ministry for years, but recently we had to acknowledge it was no longer sustainable. We decided to sell the business — but wanted to keep sowing into local families. So we asked: what if we gave a children’s Bible to every child in every daycare, preschool, and after-school care centre in our area?”
Jan* and her team rang 48 centres.
31 said yes. 17 said no.
That’s around 1,700 Bibles heading into homes — because someone asked.
“We’ve ordered the Bibles. They’re arriving soon. Would you please pray with us?
- That parents will read them with their children
- That staff won't be afraid to hand them out
- That local churches will be ready to welcome families seeking God”
They also supported three centres already sharing Jesus by giving extra funds for more resources.
But what hit me most was Jan’s honesty about rejection:
“Some I thought would say yes, said no. Others welcomed it with open arms. And I was reminded: don't decide who will say yes or no — just ask and let God work.”
She shared how hard it was to make those final visits:
“I’m scared of bothering people. But Jesus said: ‘When the Holy Spirit comes, you will tell people about Me.’
That afternoon, I stood outside a locked gate at a school, praying and unsure whether to knock, shout, or leave. I felt God ask, ‘Are you really that keen for another rejection today?’
And my answer was… yes. I’d rather give them the chance to say no than never offer the opportunity at all.”
In the end, 3 centres didn’t respond. 17 said no. But 31 said yes. That’s 1,700 children who now have the opportunity to hear God’s story.
“May our past disappointments never stop us from sharing the life-giving Good News that Jesus came to save sinners.”
Amen.
—Bob
P.S. These weekly emails are written to equip and inspire. If you know someone who’d enjoy stories like this and wants to help others discover Jesus, send them this link: hereslife.com/newsletter.