MAPS

I know there is a somewhat negative connotation to church programs. At New Hope there is a program for kids called MAPS (stands for Music Arts Programs). It is for kids K5 to 6th grade. It was so big 2 years ago (over 400 kids from area elementary schools), it was divided into 2 programs twice a year. There are 5 elementary schools in the Pell City area therefore, 2 schools attend one of the sessions and 3 the other. This has become so popular with the kids that we are already pushing at the seams even dividing the schools. Many kids who have never been taught about Jesus are attending this. One child had made a comment to one of the teachers that his parents do not believe in God but that he really liked being at MAPS. "A little child will lead them."

The kids are divided into grades. They are taught keyboard, guitar, sign language, have arts and are fed. We have tutors that help the kids with their homework. After Maps is over the kids either go home or stay for the Kids for Christ Bible study. We have had parents come to Christ through the kids coming to the MAPS program.

I have had the priviledge of working in this program for the past three years. The first year I worked as the nurse, taking care of the stomachaches, bruises, occasional blister from guitar playing. Last year I tutored the kids and worked in the kitchen. This year, I am getting to learn a little myself. I am helping with the praise songs at the end of the program. It is so much fun teaching these kids the songs and the sign language used with most of them. It feels good to see their shinning little faces and especially to have them ask questions about Jesus.

I know that programs generally don't work but this one is having an effect on the children in the Pell City area and only God knows how far reaching this will be because of that.