Andrew's Birthday Party

Tyler Nauheimer, Jacob Locke, Andrew Ocheltree and Teagan Frame work to serve the guests at Andrew's 18th birthday party in August, 2013

The Bible on CD in the children's library at Rescue The Children

Carolyn and Steve flank their new adult son at Andrew's 18th birthday party at Rescue The Children

I was teaching a class at Rescue The Children last evening in their children's library, when I looked up on the shelf and saw the birthday gift that our youth group gave to the women and children for my son, Andrew's 18th birthday party.  Aaron Scott, our high school minister, suggested that the youth group chip in and buy the Bible on CD for the families at the shelter. Our youth group helped host a birthday party for Andrew, then played games with the children after dinner. Andrew wanted to do something significant to celebrate his 18th birthday, his entrance into the world of being an adult.  Since adults help care for the helpless, Andrew wanted to celebrate "becoming a man" by having a party with people who can't reciprocate. They can't invite him to their homes, because they are living at a shelter and rehabilitation facility right now. Instead of accepting gifts from other people, Andrew chose to give a gift, shared by our youth group, for his birthday. I am very proud of Andrew. He has already become a great man, and I know he will only get greater from here!

"'When you put on a luncheon or a banquet' Jesus said,'don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.'" Luke 14:12-14 (New Living Translation)

--Posted by Mama O.