 |
| Pictured: Jack Morley & Becky Comstock with over 100 Jack Packs |
One of my favorite things about working with children has always been watching how their amazing joyous spirits react to the world around them. It’s often in stark contrast to how we as adults respond to daily realities of life and circumstance. It was with intent and enthusiasm, therefore, that I watched these little spirits unfold during our week of Vacation Bible School.
As leader of elementary missions & crafts activities for the week, I worked with various mission organizations to plan crafts for VBS participants to complete that will then be donated to help those organizations’ causes. For example, this year kids made close to 125 dog and cat toys for animals at the Richmond SPCA; we decorated and packed 245 lunches for our CARITAS guests (minus sandwiches); they made 20 fleece blankets for patients at Crossover Ministry and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU; and they created approximately 120 activity packs to be given to pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment at VCU.
While they demonstrated immense spirits of generosity and caring throughout the activities that week, it was perhaps most evident on the day we made “Jack Packs” to be given to ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation. To share about ASK’s mission - and the inspiration for Jack Packs themselves - the children listened intently as Christ Church member Jack Morley, his mom Krissi and his sister Addi shared the story of his battle with childhood cancer. At 6 years old, Jack was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, a type of kidney cancer, and underwent 6 months of treatment including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond.
 |
| VBS children creating "Jack Packs" |
While there, the Morleys became part of the ASK family. ASK’s mission is to provide Assistance, Support and Kindness to patients and their families undergoing treatment at the clinic. Jack and everyone benefited from the love and support provided by this amazing organization, and when he finally tested cancer-free a little more than a year ago, one of the first things on his mind was giving back. He had the idea of creating “Jack Packs” to be distributed to other patients at the clinic. These bags would contain games, toys and activities to keep young minds occupied and help break up the boredom of endless days stuck in a hospital room. They also provide a little reminder that someone cares.
Shortly after their Jack Pack endeavor, Krissi Morley contacted the Children’s Ministry Team to share the idea and find out if ASK might be an organization that would align with our mission goals. Of course, it was the perfect fit! Not only was the cause worthwhile, but it would be incredibly impact to engage our children in spreading God’s love through service work they can relate to.
Matthew 6:21 tells us,“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
As a parent, my greatest desire is to raise children who will serve the Lord and help make our world a better place. It’s a lofty goal in today’s world, but I know that all of the experiences I give them are working together to shape their values and beliefs about what’s most important. They treasure performing acts of love and kindness and helping others. I witnessed all 120 of our young VBS participants treasure the time they spent creating items to be donated. They worked alongside their new friend Jack, drawing pictures and writing inspirational messages like “You’re a superstar!” and “Just keep swimming.” They chose games, puzzles and crafts to fill their bags that they knew they would enjoy doing themselves. And in the end, I know they all returned home that week with hearts a little more full of Jesus’ love.
— Becky Comstock serves on the Children's Ministry Team.
