11.3.26 | A Surprise Voicemail, Ministry Partner, & My Father's House

I was sitting down for a quick meal on the road when I checked a missed call and listened to a voicemail that brought tears to my eyes. Months ago, a young girl in foster care attended our church Sunday school, but eventually had to move away. Before she left, I sent her a simple photo card to encourage her.

In this video, I share the incredible update of how her grandmother found that card, reached out, and brought her back to church. We also dive into how we can be completely honest with God during the tough seasons of life, leaning on the One who has the power to raise the dead. Watch now to hear how small acts of faith can leave a lasting impact on a child's life.

What small connection can you make in someone's life today?

Praise | Faithful Ministry Partnership: Thanking God for New Testament Church in Milwaukee for their ongoing prayer, monthly financial partnership, and for inviting Mister Brown to share during their online Bible study.

Update | New Memory Verse & Tools: Highlighting the new memory verse, John 14:2, along with resources available on the Proclaim app and proclaimkids.com to help kids, teens, and families grow together in faith.

Lesson | Honest Dependency on God: Reflecting on 2 Corinthians and learning to be completely honest with God about life's deep lows while relying on the One who has the power to raise the dead.

Story | A Life-Changing Voicemail: Sharing how a simple photo card sent to a foster child led her grandmother to reach out and bring her back to Sunday school.

Engage | Become a Proclaim Partner: Inviting supporters to become a monthly Proclaim Partner at https://proclaimministries.com/partner or offer a year-end matching grant to equip adults and disciple youth.

Discussion & Reflection Questions

The Ripple Effect of Small Actions (For Parents & Leaders)

In the story, Mister Brown sent a simple photo card to a child leaving foster care, not knowing if he would ever see her again. Months later, that small card became the bridge that brought both the girl and her grandmother to church.

What is one small, seemingly minor act of encouragement (a text, a card, a short prayer) you can extend to a child, student, or neighbor this week? 

How can we cultivate a habit of intentionality even when we cannot see immediate results?

Maintaining Connection During Transitions (For Youth & Children's Ministry Leaders)

Children and families in foster care or difficult home transitions often experience sudden changes in their church attendance. Mister Brown prioritized creating a memorable point of contact before the student left.

How well does your ministry team track, pray for, and stay connected with families who move away or undergo life transitions? 

What practical systems can we build to ensure no child feels forgotten when their circumstances change?

Finding Safe Anchors in Hard Times (For Students & Youth)

The young girl kept the card Mister Brown gave her throughout her move and transition into her grandmother's care. When she wanted to return to a safe space, she remembered that connection.

When you go through unexpected life changes or difficult moments, who are the leaders or family members who point you back to God? 

How can you reach out to them when you need support?

Honesty and Dependency on God (For General Groups & Families)

Mister Brown reflected on 2 Corinthians and Paul's willingness to be completely honest with God about feeling overwhelmed, pointing out that God's power is revealed when we rely on the One who raises the dead.

Are you currently holding back your real emotions from God during a tough season, or are you bringing your honest feelings to Him in prayer? 

What holds us back from being completely vulnerable with God about our struggles?