CHAPTER 7
Representing Your
Father’s Interests

Social Studies was Briana’s favorite subject in school. She enjoyed learning about different people and cultures around the world. Briana hoped to travel to other countries and explore the way other kids lived firsthand. Until she was able to do that though, she read tons of books and imagined herself traveling to the destinations she longed to visit.

Briana felt sad during class discussions about countries where kids experience war, hunger, and disease. Can you imagine a bomb going off in the middle of your street? Briana had even learned that there were places where people lived without running water. News like that bothered Bree and made the things she griped about seem, well … little. She was starting to get why her mom was always telling her to eat her food and be grateful.

Daughter, You Decide

There are people who need help in all parts of the world. If you could go anywhere in the world to help make a difference, where would you go?

She didn’t know how she could do it, but she wanted to make things better. So, Briana went to the first person she always did when she needed answers — Jessica. After all, that’s what best friends are for, right? The girls talked one day after cheer practice. “Jess, something’s been bothering me,” she said.

“What’s wrong?”

“You know how we’ve been talking about the villages where the people don’t have water and food and stuff?”

“Yeah. That reminds me, I forgot to label my map. Did you finish yours?”

“Not yet. Some of that stuff is really starting to bother me.”

“It’s just a map, Briana. It won’t take more than fifteen minutes, tops.”

“Not the homework, Jessica! The stories. I mean … the people. Look how blessed we are, and them, maybe not so much.”

“Well, I try not to think about it too much.”

“That’s just it; I can’t stop thinking about it. I mean, can you imagine what it must be like not to be able to just go to the fridge and grab a bottle of water when you want it? Or what about not being able to take a shower after sweating all day in the sun?”

“Eww. That’s disgusting.”

“I’m serious, Jess. We have to do something.”

“I understand how you feel, Bree. But what can we do? Nobody would take us seriously. We’re too young.”

“They will if we show them that we really want to help.”

“Well, for starters, we have no money … honey. And whatever you decide to do, you’re gonna need lots of that to make it work.”

“You stopped saying ‘we.’ So, I’m in this by myself then?”

“Of course not. You know I’m with you. I’m just saying we need to think it through. That’s all.”

You’re right about that.”

“Tell you what, why don’t we talk to Michael about it? He can probably help us.”

Jessica’s brother, Michael, was in college, and he was the leader of a group of students who are always serving people in the community. He’d let Briana and Jessica tag along once when they were building a new home for a family whose house was destroyed by a tornado. He would know what Briana could do.

That night when they talked, he had some great ideas about how the girls could get started. “Start small,” he said, “but think big. You don’t have to go to another country or even another city to find hungry people.”

It was hard for Briana to believe it, but Michael told her that people not less than thirty minutes from her house didn’t have meals sometimes. “Are you serious?” she said.

“Absolutely. And the list goes on and on.” He showed Briana a list of all the service projects his organization was working on for the school year. “So you see, there is no shortage of people who need help right in your own backyard. It’s just up to you to take the initiative. So, what’s it going to be?”

Briana had no answer for Michael. How was she supposed to know what to do?

Briana’s Box

Talking to Michael only confused Briana. She wanted to help, but now she was overwhelmed with options! What would you choose to do if you were in Briana’s situation? Wow, you really are sounding like your heavenly Father’s daughter now! The first thing to do is ask Father God. Here’s why.

Father God loves the people of the world. He does not want to see them destroyed. His heart’s goal, or mission, is reconnection with his human creation, removing the separation that Adam caused when he got off track. You do remember Adam, don’t you? Then, of course, you remember what Jesus did! Jesus is the Son who solved the problem of alienation from Father God.

Praise Prompt

Psalm 47 is a joyful picture of all groups of people praising God. As you read it, imagine how exciting it would be to dance, sing, and leap with excitement before the Lord, along with billions of other people. Now that’s what you call a celebration!

Psalm 47

Clap your hands, all you nations;

shout to God with cries of joy.

For the Lord Most High is awesome,

the great King over all the earth.

He subdued nations under us,

peoples under our feet.

He chose our inheritance for us,

the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.

God has ascended amid shouts of joy,

the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.

Sing praises to God, sing praises;

sing praises to our King, sing praises.

For God is the King of all the earth;

sing to him a psalm of praise.

God reigns over the nations;

God is seated on his holy throne.

The nobles of the nations assemble

as the people of the God of Abraham,

for the kings of the earth belong to God;

he is greatly exalted.

Yet, Jesus is not the only problem solver. God chooses other daughters and sons to become problem solvers too. Yes, that means you! Yet, you don’t get to decide which problem you get to solve. Father God has already done that for you.

You would feel just like Briana if you had to decide which problem to solve. Do you remember how she felt? Overwhelmed, right! When we are responsible for solving too many problems, we do our jobs poorly. Father God relieves us of the burden of trying to do it all by giving each of his daughters and sons specific deeds that complete his mission.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

— Matthew 5:16

Still, you do have a responsibility to identify your job in helping other daughters and sons complete the mission of your Father in heaven. As one of his daughters, you represent his business interest of reuniting the world with him.

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

— 2 Corinthians 5:20

The way you know what Father God has assigned you to do is to ask him in prayer.

Believing with Briana

Do you remember who Briana asked for help (well, besides her bff!)? A big brother, right! Just as Briana went to Jessica’s big brother, Michael, you can turn to your big brother, Jesus. Like Mike, Jesus Christ had a list of things Father God called him to do. Jesus said,

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

— Luke 4:18–19

In the towns and villages in which he traveled, Jesus did his part to complete the Father’s mission by:

• teaching in their religious meetings,

• telling publically the good news that God’s heavenly realm and authority was on earth,

• taking away every disease and sickness.

Now that’s what you call good work! Are you ready to get in on the action? Your age is not a limitation. With some help from the adults in your community, you can start becoming a good leader right now, Faithgirl!

Daughter Deed

Think of your age as an asset, not a restriction, and start serving now. Girls like you can be the most compassionate and generous people in the world. Your energy is amazing! Can you do a daughter deed? In the space below, list the names of ten adults (please, Faithgirl, don’t forget your parents!) that you know will help you serve in your community.

Look at Briana’s tidbits. They share some great ideas for ways you can serve, based on the experiences you’ve shared with her in this book.

Briana’s Tidbit #1: Host a Clothing Drive

Do you remember Briana’s struggle to find an outfit to wear on her first day at Live Oak Junior High? There are many children with a much bigger problem than a new outfit for one day. Consider organizing a clothing drive in your community to help kids in need of clothing. Near to the beginning of the school year is a great time to do a clothing drive for school uniforms. Or, when the cold winter months are approaching, you could organize a clothing drive for warm articles of clothing.

Briana’s Tidbit #2: Feed the Hungry

Banana-nut muffins anyone? Briana taught you a lot about a healthy spiritual diet, remember? Many people lack nutritious food to eat. Hunger is a crisis affecting millions of people throughout the world. You can help solve the problem in your area by hosting a food drive and giving the cans to the local food pantry. Or you could organize a group of parents and kids from your youth group to prepare and serve meals in the building of your local church.

Briana’s Tidbit #3: Protect the Children

Briana introduced you to the adorable Foster twins, Madison and Mason, when she helped her sister, Ashley, babysit. Their parents wanted to keep them safe from the fumes while they painted the house, remember? It’s hard to imagine that anyone would ever want to harm a child. Yet modern day slavery, also called human trafficking, endangers the lives of millions of children throughout the world. Many of the victims are girls your age. What can you do to help? One way is to raise money to support the work of large organizations that work to fight human trafficking. With the help of adults, you could organize a kids’ night out program. Offer to provide safe, entertaining childcare for families in your community at a low cost. Then donate the money you earn to trustworthy groups fighting human trafficking.

Briana’s Tidbit #4: Help the Hospitals

People of all ages dislike hospital visits. Yet, being in the hospital is a real bummer for kids. Briana’s leg injury taught you just how important it is for young people to have a family of supporters cheering you on to recovery when you’re sick. You can encourage a sick child by volunteering at your local children’s hospital. Most hospitals would love to have you come and read to their young patients. Or you could coordinate a card-writing campaign and have your entire class, club, team, or cheer squad make bright, colorful get-well cards to send to sick kids.

Briana’s Tidbit #5: Ban Bullying

Briana’s ex-cheer mate Taylor was fierce! Even though Briana understood why Taylor was hurt, you learned that violence is never an acceptable solution to a problem. Still, bullying endangers the lives of countless children every day. You can help by speaking up if you know someone is being bullied, just as Briana did. More than that, you could host a rally or carnival to increase the peace in your community. Invite and include adult counselors, community leaders such as pastors, and well-known antiviolence organizations to your event.

Briana’s Tidbit #6: Share the Good News

Briana’s glam slam was a blast! To top it all off she got great gifts from her family and friends, including a Bible from Austin’s mother. How cool was that? You can’t be a Faithgirl without one! Yet, millions of people do not have a Bible translated into the language they speak. Can you imagine trying to read the Bible in German? Can you host a used book drive? Invite your family members, friends, and neighbors to donate their books. Sell them to your local book reseller, and then donate the funds to a trustworthy Bible translation ministry.

Beginning with Briana

As you ask Father God what your assignment is, he will bring more ways you can serve to mind. After praying and receiving directions from Father God, pray again! Never stop praying. Ask your parents, teachers, friends, and sisters and brothers in the family of Father God for help. Then get ready, Faithgirl! Before you know it, you’ll be working with your heavenly Father to accomplish his mission!

Daughter, Declare Your Prayer

Father, thank you for choosing me to work with your Son, Jesus Christ! Help me to become the problem solver that you are calling me to be. Show me the gifts and talents you have given me to help fulfill your mission. Empower me to use them to draw people to you. I am excited about doing good deeds that honor you!