Kids 'Master' Christian Values at Oxbow Lake Baptist

Every Wednesday evening, children of all backgrounds and faiths gather in the lower level of for Master Club, a ministry designed to help young people learn about the Bible and apply it to their lives.

Beverly Samuel, director of Master Club, said, “We have about 30 kids on average who come to Master Club. It gives them an opportunity to begin building Christian character. They aren’t sitting on the sidelines watching adults do Christian things; they’re getting involved.” The group encourages children to reach out to other kids who are being bullied or ignored.

“Sometimes even we can get into a little clique where we just hang out with other Christians,” Samuel said. “The kids can get insulated and we want them reaching out and touching others.”

In addition, Samuel said they learn Bible verses and do different projects, "There is a game time and a Bible story time.” The ministry offers assignments that instruct children to show kindness to the disenfranchised of society.

“One option (for them) was to find an elderly person and rake their leaves or to befriend a disabled child,” Samuel said. “Because of this project, one child took a girl who is in a wheelchair to the lunchroom at school and ate lunch with her. Another helped the same girl with a school activity. They really meet new friends.” Parents sign a paper when the children have completed the task and the kids earn a badge for their vest.

“I like learning about God,” said Jessica Helzer, 8. “It’s my favorite thing to do.”

The children are separated into groups depending on their age and they spend the evening learning the Bible, listening to instruction and playing games.

“I like the games,” said Bella Brock, 8.

Master Club strives to be as inclusive as possible and encourages children from all backgrounds to join the group and learn about Christ, Samuel said.

“Some of these kids may never be exposed to Christianity if it weren’t for Master Club,” said Ron Samuel, general assistant of the ministry. The church sends a bus out into the community to collect kids to participate in the ministry each week. Some kids are members of the church and some have little exposure to Christianity.

“They need this Christian influence,” Ron said. “It’s especially important in today’s society.”

The ministry has been ongoing for 11 years and is taught by members of Oxbow Lake Baptist Church who are dedicated to teaching children how they can use the Word of God to improve the world around them.

“There is so much pull to the negative,” Beverly (Samuel) said. “Today’s society is different than we knew, but when I see kids being positive influences in people’s lives, it is an encouragement to me. There are good things that are happening.”