When I look at the children in our clubs, I often find myself wondering:

• Who will they become when they grow up?
• What paths will they take?
• How many of their friendships will last a lifetime?
• Will they choose to put their trust in Jesus?

So many questions. So many possibilities.

But one truth remains unchangeable: we must use every opportunity to share the Gospel with them. Children grow up far too quickly.

Why Investing Early Matters

Let me tell you about Ola—an excellent example of why investing in relationships early truly matters.

Ola has been part of our clubs since she was a child. In her senior year, when the youth group stopped meeting and many of her peers moved away for university, she stayed behind. From time to time, we met for coffee. I tried to stay in touch, to encourage her, and to remind her that she wasn’t forgotten.

I invited her to join the English camp, and later in September, we attended a youth conference together. On our way home, we stopped for food. During our conversation, Ola turned to me and asked:

“Aunty, how do you do it? How do you always know what we need?”

She went on to say:

“At this conference, I understood some things and restarted building my relationship with God again. There’s more to it, but I’m not ready to share yet.”

Moments like these remind me that building relationships takes time—and the best time to begin is as early as possible.

What Children Really Long For

This reflection made me a bit nostalgic. I thought back to my own youth at camp, when my friends and I led a survival class. Each group had to build its own kitchen, make a fireplace, and keep it running while they cooked. It was such a unique experience.

One day, as we sat eating a meal together, a child said something that stayed with me:

“I enjoy our meal together. We can chat in peace, and there is no hurry. Can we just keep doing this instead of going to the next activity?”

That moment struck me deeply.

We put so much effort into keeping children busy—activities, lessons, schedules—yet what they often long for is something much simpler:

Time.
Time to sit together.
Time to talk.
Time to be seen.
Time to know that they matter.

Following Jesus’ Example

It is simple, really. It’s exactly what Jesus did.

He focused on people.
He gave them His time.
He offered His presence.

May we learn to do the same.

-Testimony from a worker in CEF of Poland (Edyta)