"He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me.” - Matthew 18:2,4-5
Years ago, after I moved to Houston, I decided to volunteer as a mentor/tutor for a program called SNAPP - Students Needing A Pat and a Push. There were about eight of us, though only half I estimated were actually visiting a student. I somehow got roped in to coordinating the program. After a couple years, we had more than 100 volunteers and we expanded to serving two schools instead of just one. I led the program for close to 10 years before another job transfer moved me some distance away. I mentored some thirty students during those years. While I have many stories - some happy, some sad - the student I remember most was Jaqueline.
Jaqueline was in fifth grade. I met with her during school, in the library, usually once a week. She rarely said a word, but she watched me intently. I would tell her stories hoping to get a reaction, but she would rarely react. A smile at a silly joke was a good day. Sometimes we played a board game. She didn’t talk about her family. She would show me her school work when I asked, and occasionally she’d need my help with a math problem. Mostly, we were just together. I had other students I would meet with and, honestly, they were a lot more fun. They connected. Jaqueline was content to listen. I hoped. It was hard to tell. Toward the end of school that year, I organized a school field trip to the Houston Rodeo for mentors and their students. There were a lot of smiles on that day.
I had two rules that I told to students whom I mentored. Rule 1: I don’t tell you when I’m coming; if you want to see Mr. Rick, you need to be in school, be in your seat and be minding the teacher. Rule 2: If you’re absent, I don’t make a second trip; Further, if I come to school and you’re in time out, I’m going to knock on the door, let you know I was there, and then tell you I will hope for a better outcome next week. It was surprisingly effective - Jacqueline never missed a visit! At the very end of that school year, I needed to be away on a long business trip. I told Jaqueline not to worry; I promised that the school year would not end before I met with her one last time. I showed up on one of the last days of school. Looking sad, with her head tilted down, she reached in her pocket and gave me a weathered looking piece of paper, all folded up. She asked me not to read it in front of her. I knew immediately. She had carried this folded paper with her every day, not knowing when I might show up for that final visit.
You just never know the impact you might have on a child. Quiet Miss Jacqueline. So shy. Too afraid it seemed to say boo. On the piece of paper was a note. I still have it. THANK YOU was written in blue marker several times on the page. In her best handwriting, with a few misspellings and grammar errors, she thanked me for visiting her all year. She thanked me for little trinkets I had given her, described in great detail. She liked the animal magazine subscription I gave for her birthday. She thanked me for taking her to the rodeo ("even though it smelled bad"). She told me she’d be visiting grandma during the summer. And she said she would miss me and that she would always remember me. The young girl I didn’t think I was reaching, signed her letter. Love, Jaqueline.
Beginning soon, you’ll have the opportunity to sponsor a student for the Fall Outreach Mission - our annual clothing and backpack drive for preschoolers through high school, our college kick-start drive for students attending UAA who’ve aged out of the foster system as well as a separate tennis shoe and socks and undies drive - we like to call it Project Dignity - with participation opportunities to fit any budget! Especially during these uncertain times, whether students are being taught at school or at home … or a little bit of both … we are called to welcome children in His name. There’s no greater calling. The work is not difficult and the impact is great. It’s a great feeling to know that you’ve raised the self-esteem of a child - whether that child be big or small. Let’s welcome one such child. Maybe two! Together, we have the opportunity to help some 55 deserving students within our midst! Please join me in supporting this important mission. More details to come!
"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” - Colossians 3:20 Sorry … one of my favorite verses … and there’s nothing better than sharing Scripture with the children! :-)
Rick Meidel, his wife Natalie and daughter Sarah have attended St. John UMC since 2018. Rick can be reached at meidy@me.com or 832-418-9200.