Planting Seeds of Faith in Little Hearts
When I was thinking about what I wanted to do this summer, coming back to Toronto City Mission (TCM) felt like where God was leading me. I saw God’s confirmation when I decided to change my major into a field more focused on working with children. Last summer left a lasting impact on me because I left not only with fun memories with the interns and kids, but also with a changed heart. I found myself thinking about the kids long after camp ended, praying that they would remember not only what they learned but also the love of Jesus they experienced. Throughout the school year, while volunteering at TCM, I felt God reminding me that my time there was not limited to just one summer.
Returning this summer allowed me to reconnect with campers and build relationships with new kids. One of my favourite parts of camp is watching children slowly open up and begin to trust us. I had the opportunity to teach Bible to grades 1-3, and it was amazing to see how engaged and eager they were to learn about God. During my week four Bible lesson, a camper interrupted me by saying, “God used magic to create the world!” Instead of seeing it as a disruption, I felt God helping me turn it into a teaching moment about how powerful our God is. Seeing the kids understand and teach each other reminded me that ministry happens in small moments.
TCM has opened my eyes to the reality that many children carry burdens others may not see. It has taught me to look beyond behaviours and see each child as Jesus does, with compassion, dignity, and unconditional love. Sharing the Gospel is not only about teaching Bible lessons, but about reflecting Christ through the way we care for others.
I returned because I wanted God to continue using me. Looking back, I realize that while I hoped to make a difference in the lives of the kids, they have made just as much of a difference in mine. They have taught me to celebrate small victories and trust God’s plan. I can remember a time when our swimming activity got cancelled, and a camper spoke up and said: “God must've had a reason for us not going swimming today, like maybe something bad was going to happen if we did go”. Also, faithfully showing up each day with a willing heart.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”