Our Best Salesmen

When I was in school I learned a little about sales. A good advertisement or salesman, I learned, can create the perception of a need and then convince you that they are the best ones to meet that need. We don't need to “sell” MYC Clubs to the kids or to our community. The needs we try to help meet don't need to be created; they are all too real in a society short on fathers. God's people are the best ones to help meet the needs. We don't have salesman on staff here; our kids and their families can be our best salesmen. Kids who keep coming and parents who want to know when their younger kids can start coming do our “advertising.” Kids who want their friends to come to Club are some of our best public relations agents. We aren't selling something to the kids but we are making sure that they hear that Easter celebrates God's free gift of salvation. We can concentrate on serving, not selling.

Earlier today I visited the family of one of our MYC Primary Club members. He had missed a few days because of the flu so he couldn't be at our Easter celebration. We enjoy our Club kids and miss seeing them when they aren't here. His mom told me that he was back at school and we should see him at Club today. That was encouraging, but the most encouraging comments came next. Mom said that before school he had reminded her that she was not to worry about him after school because he would be at MYC. She added that he likes to come and was sorry that he had to miss because of the flu. His little brother then asked her, “Can I go to MYC, too?” This little guy is in kindergarten, so we are expecting him to join MYC this summer and be with us next school year.

Last week, another mother made sure to tell me that, although her daughter was going to have to miss Club for a couple of weeks, she would be back as soon as possible and that both of them wanted her to “keep her spot in Club.” They knew that others were waiting to take her place if she wasn't going to be able to return. Conversations like these confirm to us that we are meeting some needs for these kids, their families, and for the community. “I'm glad you all are doing what you do. Kids need something positive to do!” is a comment I hear often. That's definitely true, but we want to meet needs that are way beyond just something for kids to do. Kids need somewhere safe where they can have fun and feel welcome. Kids need to feel valued and that they belong somewhere. Kids need help with homework. Kids need positive relationships with adults who like to be with them and won't abandon them. Most of all, kids need to know and enjoy God, and to have the joy of knowing and following his word.

Whether it is a snack, gym time, memorizing wisdom from the Bible, or making sure homework is understood, we strive to meet these needs with a healthy dose of love and attention. The needs never stop, but we enjoy serving God by serving His children. We don't have something to sell; we have someone to serve.