How would you like to meet with 400 (or more) children each evening for 18 meetings over 16 days, prepare a program for an orphanage, visit that orphanage and another, visit children in two hospitals and a local village, take part in a parade, and still find time to eat and sleep? That’s just what Wendy Cassell, her family, and Jean Hiser did.
Wendy was enthused at the idea from the start. She was elated when The Quiet Hour requested that she lead the children’s program in support of Pastor Bill Tucker's meetings in Bacolod City, Philippines, in February 2006.
 The initial attendance was 250 kids, then 300, and then they were out of space and not all the children could attend. Some stood outside by the open windows. Others played in the courtyard hoping to get a seat later. Some children, in order to ensure they could participate, skipped dinner and came very early to get a seat. After moving to a larger facility, attendance leveled out at about 400 children each night with swells up to 500.
There were so many younger children (0-6 in age) that Jean Hiser agreed to take them to a large room off of the auditorium. She provided a special program for them using felts and coloring sheets, which they absolutely loved. All came back together, however, to complete the craft associated with each night’s message.
 The results? When Wendy gave a call for baptism, 83 children, ages seven to 14, came forward. That’s a lot of kids, but not enough for Wendy! On the final night, she gave another call for baptism and 51 more children came forward. WOW! About 10 of these kids were in both groups, but even with this, there were at least 120 firm decisions for Christ at an age where they can make right decisions with Christ as their Guide and avoid the pitfalls of their friends who don’t know Christ.
In what has been called the largest children’s evangelistic effort in The Quiet Hour’s history, you would think that Wendy and her family would be tired and worn out. It is just the opposite. They are full of praise for God and holy unction to do more children’s evangelism. Their next meeting began March 24 in northwest Arkansas, where they live. Stay tuned for more blessings!
|
