HEALTHY FAMILIES FOR ETERNITY

CHILDREN’S STORY
Missionary
For Heaven
LINDA MEI LIN KOH
Biblical Principle
Go therefore and make disciples
of all the nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28: 19,20
“I’m happy today, I’m happy today, in Jesus
Christ, I’m happy today,” sang Mateus Soares
of Brazil. Yes, eight-year old Mateus was excited
to know Jesus and to love Him. His little heart
was so full of joy that he wanted to share Jesus
with others in his neighborhood so that they
can go to heaven with him.
“Papa, I want to start a Bible study class, can
I?” Mateus begged his father. “Do you know
how, Sonny?” asked his father doubtingly.
“I can learn and I know Jesus will help me.
I want all my friends and neighbors to go to
heaven to meet Jesus,” replied Mateus with his
face beaming.
“Okay, let’s try it. We’ll ask the pastor to help
you with some tips,” said father encouragingly.
Mateus prayed about his plan and then
started visiting his neighbors and friends.
Linda Mei Lin Koh, EdD, is the Director of the Department of
Children’s Ministries at the General Conference of Seventh-day
Adventists World Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.
“How are you, Pedro?” Mateus greeted his
neighbor with a big smile and shook his hand
firmly.
“Do you believe in Jesus? Do you know He
is coming back soon to take us to live with him
in heaven?”
“I am inviting you to join my Bible study
group every Wednesday night. Please come,”
said Mateus with a big smile on his face.
He went from door to door inviting his
neighbors and schoolmates to his Bible study
group. On the first night only a few neighbors
came; some came just out of curiosity. But
soon it grew to more than ten individuals as
they learn about Jesus and his plan of salvation.
Mateus was earnest in teaching his neighbors
about the heavenly home. He wanted everyone
to go to heaven and live with Jesus forever!
God used Mateus amazingly. Soon his Bible
study group began to grow and before long he
led ten neighbors and friends to be baptized
into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Yes,
Mateus and his group continued to sing, “I
will wear a crown in my Father’s house, in my
Father’s house, in my Father’s house…”
Mateus ran his Bible study group for three
years. But before long he realized that all the
new members did not have a church to worship
in. This made him sad.
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MISSIONARY FOR HEAVEN