The churches of Middleton Outreach Ministry (affectionately known as "MOM") are called upon by our Lord and commended for "giving unto the least of these"--(Matthew 25:40) meaning, we give to those with no stable housing, to those with no secure food or too few clothes, and we visit the sick and lonely. That's what we do--obediently and faithfully, year in and year out--on your behalf. But we need your help to continue this ministry.

So far, it is the children, once considered the least of our donors, who stand out in answering the call. Enlightened youth--some as young as five and six, who feel like older adults ("I already have enough stuff")--are making a personal sacrifice to help children needier than they are.

Last year at this time, I called your attention to Everett Eaton, then a little 5-year-old with a big heart. He knew that some families often go hungry, and that MOM raises money to help. Not only did he raise $47 last year by making bars and cookies and selling them door-to-door, but his brother joined him this year for another fun(d) drive! Together in 2003, they raised $92 for MOM--double the year before!

The 6-year-old Everett and his brother are just two of the many who make up this "Good Neighbor City" of Middleton. Others include the enthusiastic fifth grade musicians from Elm Lawn Elementary School who were recently featured on page one of the Middleton Times Tribune. Last I heard, they play outdoors each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., weather permitting, to raise money for MOM.

The idea of non-traditional birthday parties, as a way to give back to MOM, is also catching on with some kids and parents.

A "non-traditional" party is one where the invitation goes out, "No gifts please, instead bring a gift to MOM!" Forsaking their right and tradition to receive extra gifts at their birthday, these children instead get in on the blessedness of giving to others. They even specify a theme for the party--canned food or warm blankets or mittens and hats.

At 6-year-old Ellen Schuebel's party last month, twelve invited friends came, each bearing blankets purchased for the poor.

At 8-year-old Kevin Walther's party last summer, his guest brought over 400 pounds of food to MOM.

Brownie troops from Elm Lawn recently organized a clothing drive.

Brownie and Girl Scouts also gave dozens of 'birthday bags' for MOM to honor the 100th anniversary of their founder.

At Kromery Middle School, their annual fun run and walk-a-thon raised almost $1,500 for MOM.

Dozens of 'Key Club' members (high school youth affiliated with Kiwanis) organized a Halloween Eve food drive in Middleton neighborhoods, which resulted in a donation of 2,800 pounds, which they also sorted!

Each of these birthday girls and boys, service club members, and school groups--plus their invited guests and friends--now know a vital lesson taught by Jesus and handed down to his disciples through the church: "It is more blessed to give than receive" (Acts 20:35).

I tell you about these (little) children with big hearts because I pray that their tribe will increase. But what also thrills me is that God is raising up "the least of these" as young donors to encourage the rest of us to do our adult share. Your time is now.

Thanks for raising these kids, for toting them around, connecting with your neighbors, for being another "brother" or "sister" of Everett, and for being a gift which keeps on giving and keeps us going.

© 2003 Middleton Outreach Ministry

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