The Sioux City and Spencer churches recently partnered with Boys Town of Iowa to provide parenting classes for their communities.

Boys Town Common Sense Parenting is a six-week training course for parents who want to build on existing skills or learn new ways of dealing with their children’s behaviors. Classes are taught by professional trainers, and since the course is subsidized by donations there is no cost to attendees. Childcare and meals are also provided, free of charge.

Not only do these classes meet parents’ needs, but they provide excellent opportunities to develop relationships with the families who attend, as well as other organizations within the community.

A local elementary school hosts the Sioux City classes, and several other area churches are helping provide meals and childcare services. The Spencer Church hosts the Spencer classes, preparing and serving meals to the families and volunteers and providing childcare.

The childcare program is like Vacation Bible School, with prayer, songs, Bible-themed projects, arts and crafts, and games for infants to 10-year-olds. Each week the children also learn about a day of Creation week and what it says about God’s love.

Recently during craft time an inquisitive 7-year-old asked, “Why should we follow Jesus?”

One of the leaders responded, “Jesus loves us so much that He died for us, and if we choose to follow Him we get to live with Him forever.”

He then asked, “What if you don’t choose Jesus?”

“Well, then we don’t get to live forever,” they answered.

“Do we have a choice of to follow Jesus?” he asked.

“Yes,” they answered. “Jesus loves us so much He lets us choose whether or not to follow Him.”

“Why wouldn’t we want to choose Jesus, then?” he asked.

What a witness to that young man and all the other children in the room!

Several of the children have asked for reading material, so issues of Primary Treasure, Guide and other magazines for young people have been provided. Many of their parents have reported the children are really enjoying that.

We pray that we will be able to continue building relationships with the families who come to the classes. We also pray these encounters will lead to participation in other activities, such as Vacation Bible School for the children and marriage enrichment seminars for the adults.

We are grateful to all the volunteers who have made these classes a success. Thank You!