Anchor House Week 25 - Childlike Faith

A few weeks ago, we celebrated Day of the Seafarer with a week of activities. One of the places we invited churches and families to come alongside us was by baking treats for the seafarers and port community. Throughout the week we were blessed with an incredible amount of cookies, brownies, and other delectable treats. Some of which were put out at Anchor House for all who visited the center to enjoy. Others were packaged up and brought to ships for the seafarers to enjoy. Many were accompanied by a note or card of encouragement and prayer.

I hope the seafarers enjoyed the baked goods they received. Being on a ship for 4-10 months at a time, I would miss the treat of homemade cakes, cookies, and other yummy treats. I am sure some of the cooks on the ships make treats for the crew. And I am confident they are very skilled in their culinary skills. However, I think there is nothing quite like a homemade cookie. I’m not sure, but I think the secret ingredient may just be love.

A few of the families that baked for us personally came to Anchor House to deliver their treats. It was wonderful to see the kids as they came on to the port. Their eyes grew each time they saw the massive size of the ships in port. As they walked through the doors of Anchor House they were filled with excitement for this new experience.

We like to use the term “child-like faith” to describe those who simply follow Jesus. They may not ask questions or have doubts. They just follow. The Bible describes people bringing their kids to Jesus so he could pray for them. I imagine these kids had the same look that the kids did who visited Anchor House. I think they knew who Jesus was and could feel that secret ingredient, His love. Kids are much better than us adults at believing. Don't believe me, look to Christmas!

Matthew 19:14 says, "Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Jesus knew the children were the perfect example of the faith He calls us into. It's innocent, trusting, hope, and love. This children aren't tarnished by doubt. They simply believe. Maybe we need to do the same when doubt creeps in.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Matt

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