We Are Proud of Our Children
We are so excited to see Care and Kindness events being hosted in various places. In past issues of the Care Capsule, we shared the news about those held in Sydney, Australia and in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
We called these “child” conferences because the hosts were inspired to organize their own after attending one of our annual conferences at the Crystal Cathedral.
On April 19, in Noblesville, IN, a Kindness Workshop was presented as part of larger community event. The workshop included talks, skits, scripture, and music.
On April 18 and 19, a conference was held at Trinity College in Palos Heights, IL (Chicago area). Jim Kok was the Plenary Speaker on both days and in addition, six workshops were presented by local speakers. (The Care Capsule Editor was there and saw first-hand what a wonderful two-day meeting it was!) One person wrote to Pastor Kok afterwards, saying, “I have started reading your book and am encouraged and inspired for action.”
What a great comment! — that’s what these gatherings are designed to do: inspire people to actions of kindness.
On April 25 and 26, Jim Kok spoke at another gathering held by The Presbytery of Eastern Iowa in Waterloo. It was named “The Miracle of Kindness” and every registrant received a copy of his book. Evaluation comments were solicited and here are a few that were received:
“This was such an awesome conference!! Though I try to reach out where I can, this conference has reminded me that there is so much more that I can do - and that there are a number of behaviors that I need to work on for change.”
“Made me more aware of the importance of the small kindnesses; knowing they have great healing to someone.”
“I need to remember to love everyone, even the “unlovable”; I’m shy, so need to know it’s ok to be uncomfortable.”
Then, to round out his trip, Jim flew to Phoenix, AZ, to speak to the Council on Reformed Charities, held on April 26–28. Those present were leaders and executives of a variety of Christian charities: nursing homes, schools for the disabled, adoption agencies, hospitals, etc. They asked Jim to be their speaker on April 27 on an educational topic of his own choosing, so, naturally, he presented a three-hour “conference” on loving-kindness. In it, he “suggested” that they, the leaders and directors, could/should model encouragement, appreciation, warmth and friendliness, to their staff. The powerful results could then trickle down to everyone.
