"Jesus Loves All the Little Children"

The one place we felt sure we would find compassion was our church. We had been members for some time. Even served on some boards and volunteered on special projects. Donated as much money as our budget would allow.

One day during the announcements portion of our service we were excited to hear that our church would be offering an after school program. The congregation was told to come to the church office on a certain date and time if you were interested in signing your child up.

What better place to care for your child while you are working than his church? I showed up at the announced date and time. First thing. I was the only person there. So imagine my surprise when I was told that the program was full. I was told that Travis would be put on a waiting list.

I was confused. How could it be full? I was the first one there on the announced date. I checked back a few times, but there was still no room for Travis.

Then I heard that our church program took some kids from a program that had closed at another church.

The more I thought about it, the more I began to think there was a reason Travis was not getting in, and I thought the reason was me. As a school board member there were times that I had to make decisions for our district that some parents did not agree with. The church member that was managing the program was one of those parents. She was unhappy with the way I voted on a district matter.

So, I went in and asked to see the waiting list. They were unable to produce the list. Because there never was one.

I said that I believed they were purposely not allowing Travis is the program. But before I could finish and say that it was not fair to take it out on Travis if you’re mad at me, the woman said, we have other kids with issues in the program.

Wow. I just didn’t see it. And I’m guessing it was because a church was the last place I expected Travis to face discrimination. I immediately went to see our pastor. Where I expected to find solace and understanding, I found denial. He said that the after school program was not affiliated with the church. What?

It is held in the basement of our church. It is managed by a church member. And up to a few days ago all the children that attended were kids of the members of the church. Even the van that picked up the kids from school had the church name on it. And it was purchased with church funds.

Once I pointed that out the pastor told me that I needed to affect change in Travis’s life. Well that’s what I am doing right now. By talking to you.

I shouldn’t have to remind the church that “Jesus loves all the little children”. We never went back. And you know what? Not one member or even the pastor ever called or came by to check on us. Ask why we were no longer attending. Hmmm.

“When a flower does not bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” - Author Unknown