Approximately 150 children, from 4 years old through 6th grade, spent the morning of Saturday, May 21, spying out truths about God and about mission work at First Baptist Church, Paris, at the 1st Annual Children In Action Day. Sponsored by the Red River Valley Baptist Association’s WMU, the event featured Liz Encinia, of the WMU of Texas, speaking on mission work in Mexico; Bob Childres, member of Immanuel Baptist Church, Paris, speaking about the work of Texas Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief Teams; and “Uncle Buddy” Woods, retired IMB missionary, speaking about his life as a missionary.
Ms. Encinia told the children about her mission trips into Mexico and her work with children there. She had many pictures to pass among the children as she described living conditions there and the lack of much needed school supplies.
Mr. Childres explained to the children what Texas Baptist Men do when there is a disaster. As he showed slides of the Feeding Unit Team, he described for the children how many meals they prepare and how many people they feed. He also showed pictures of the Chain Saw Team cutting up large trees that had been downed by hurricanes and tornados. He reminded the children that they pray with and witness to the people as they meet their needs in a time of disaster.
“Uncle Buddy” had a fascinating display of souvenirs from all over the world. He described for the children how God had protected him and his wife, Jody, as they served Him in Zimbabwe, Liberia, and Taiwan. He taught the children to say “I love you” in Chinese and showed them a 17’ Python snake skin and a real elephant foot stool.
Besides the special speakers, there were times of singing, led by the Praise Team of Southside Baptist Church, and a craft time. An offering was received to benefit the Texas Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief efforts. Susan Tollison, pastor’s wife at First Baptist Church, Bogata, led the planning of the event and served as announcer for the event. A hot dog lunch was served to the children before they disembarked for the day.
Dr. Mike Cosgrove is the Director of Missions for the Red River Valley Baptist Association. Alice Ann White is the Association’s WMU Director.