If you were to attend any of our outreaches, you might think that hundreds of children were being saved in each service. The reality, however, is that many of these children have responded to the Gospel multiple times—some for the sixth, seventh, or even eighth time. Some come forward because their friends do. Others step forward because they believe it’s the right thing to do. But many—perhaps most—come because they have genuinely encountered the love of God and are being drawn by the Holy Spirit. You can see it in their faces as they stand, hands raised in surrender, worshiping God with all their hearts.
There are those who have suggested that I should discourage children from responding to every altar call. After all, from a theological standpoint, salvation doesn’t need to be repeated. But how can I stop them? They don’t yet understand the doctrine of salvation, but they do know one thing: they long to be near Jesus. Explaining theology can come later; right now, they are lost in His presence, offering themselves to Him again and again.
When I look into their eyes, I remember my own childhood. I was nearly eight years old when I first walked down the aisle of a church, compelled by the knowledge that my sins had separated me from God, yet Jesus had died for me in love. That summer, I attended church camp and, hearing the sweet message of the Gospel again, I ran to the altar in tears. A well-meaning counselor kindly but firmly reminded me that I had already been saved and didn’t need to come forward again. But I wanted to. I wanted to give my life to Him every day. Why shouldn’t I? Why couldn’t I? Now, I see that same desire in the eyes of these children—some with tears streaming down their faces—as they run to Jesus again and again.
We have never held an outreach specifically for children, yet they come by the hundreds. And during every outreach, we take time to bless them. This is not a casual gesture—a simple pat on the head and a few kind words. Often, we take the children into our arms and pray over them. For some, it may be the only affectionate touch they have ever received. Many are orphaned or live in homes where love is scarce.
Take Argument and her younger brother, Peace. I met them during a revival in Acornhoek, South Africa, but their story could be from anywhere. Argument is just seven years old; Peace, only three. Their father abandoned the family for several years before returning, carrying the devastating burden of AIDS. He has since passed away, and their mother is now at home, dying from the disease he left behind. That leaves Argument—the child—to run the household. The likelihood that Peace is also infected is high, yet they lack the funds to have him tested or begin treatment. Within a few short years, Argument may be completely alone.
These children bring me both the deepest sorrow and the greatest joy. One of my fondest memories comes from an outreach in Jerusalem, South Africa. One of our interpreters had a two-year-old son named Lindo Powell (named after U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell). Lindo was a bright, eager little boy who came forward at every altar call, regardless of the reason. If there was work to be done—chairs to stack, sound equipment to move—Lindo was there, trying to do more than his share. It was both comical and touching to watch this tiny child attempt to lift a 60-pound speaker, undeterred by its weight.
On the final nights of the outreach, Lindo’s enthusiasm took on a new level of seriousness. As I moved through the prayer line, I kept feeling a small bump against my leg. Looking down, I saw Lindo, eyes full of intensity, praying alongside me. As I placed my hands on the heads of those in need, he placed his hands on their thighs, imitating my every move. No one seemed to mind, so I let him continue, only stepping in when he attempted to push one woman down “in the Spirit.”
Jesus Himself said, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10:14-16, ESV). If the Son of God welcomed children with open arms, how could we do any less? Their innocent, unrelenting pursuit of Jesus should remind us all of what it truly means to follow Him.
May God help us to do as much.