Rewards of Teaching

by Rachel Petty

I began teaching Bible class when a helper was needed to "just sit in".
I was a school room mother when I became committed to teaching Bible class. Through the students as well as my children, I saw their struggles. It was because of this that I wanted to have a Bible class where every child would feel loved, be an achiever, and would feel good about themselves. It is not enough for a child to hear "Jesus Loves Me." We (the church) can help a child feel the love of Jesus by our relationship with that child and his family.
Children are such little encourageers. I remember the first time I made "extra work sheets" and "homework" for the class, the children clapped and said, "we want more."
And so it has been through the years, my commitment to teach Bi. ble school has come from the children whom I have taught. I thought I was the teacher but it is they who have taught the greater lesson. Children bring joy to teaching. It may be a small success such as learning I memory verse or a new song. Sometimes it can be an experience in class that brings a smile to my face all week.
I once remarked to a child on the beautiful dress she was wearing I to Sunday Bible class. "Thank you," she replied, then very proudly added, "I slept in it all night."
We were working on a special project in one class and I asked I child, "What is special about you that you want everyone to know?" She softly replied, "How I am inside." So precious! She was blessed with parents who at an early age impressed on her the value of inner beauty. To be so pure that you want everyone to know "how you are inside" is amazing. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said we must become as little children.
Sandra Keopf and I teach the four-year-olds on Wednesday nigh!. Recently we were told by one of the children, "as soon as I learn to read I'm going to start preaching." So precious!
When the new classes begin in September, I will have a child in class whose mother was in my Bible class when she was five year old! It is a joy and a blessing to be a part of a child's life.
It is a joy and a blessing to be called "Bible class teacher."