A Growing Faith

Above: Tristan, Hope and Megan Pattinson

Most nine-year-olds spend their afternoons drawing, playing sports or enjoying entertainment. Hope does these things too, but she’s also bringing children together each week to read the Bible, pray and learn more about Jesus.

My name is Hope. I’m nine years old in Year 4 at school. I’m the oldest of five sisters and live at home with Mum and Dad. I love crafting, drawing and playing hockey.

I also love being with friends and family.

I have been at Christchurch City Corps my whole life and I gave my life to Jesus in May this year. I’m grateful for my mum and dad, kids church leaders, teachers and family and friends who have helped me grow in my faith. I know that even when things feel hard, I have Jesus with me all the time.

Earlier this year, I decided that I wanted to run a Bible study for kids. I watched my mum do it with adults and it looked like a lot of fun. I watched them learn more about the Bible and I wanted to learn more too.

My mum helped me to set it up. A group of eight- and nine-year-olds come to my house for Bible study each week. We design prayer books and read the Bible together. We pray for each other and watch videos that help us learn about the Bible.

The thing that made it difficult was that I wanted to set up a Bible study for kids without people thinking I’m in charge. We’re all in charge—we’re all praying together and we’re all reading together.

I’m excited for the future. I want to keep running this Bible study and inviting more children. I love helping people to learn more about the Bible and Jesus.