08/31/2026
Can you find the lions in this picture?
Several years ago, a group of tourists visited Kruger National Park in South Africa. There they saw a large herd of buffalo gathered at a watering hole. As the animals lowered their heads to drink, a group of lions suddenly charged.
The herd scattered in every direction. In the confusion, the lions seized a young buffalo and dragged it away.
In a herd numbering in the hundreds, the loss of one small calf might seem insignificant. But the buffalo did not see it that way. They regrouped.
The large males moved to the front, standing shoulder to shoulder. Behind them came the younger males and the females without calves, while the mothers and their young remained toward the rear. Then, together, the herd advanced. They confronted the predators and fought bravely until the little calf was rescued and safely returned to the herd.
We can learn a lesson from the buffalo.
Our children are also being stalked by “a roaring lion … seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
The little ones and young people who attend our churches deserve our attention and support, our deepest interest and our greatest investment.
These are the ones who will carry the message when we are gone. They must be prepared to take their places in the great work of God. We cannot afford to stand by while the enemy carries them away one by one.
Like that herd of buffalo, we must stand together. Those who are strong must take their places at the front. Those with experience must protect and guide the younger ones. Parents, teachers, pasters, church leaders, and members must unite in the work of guarding, teaching, encouraging, and reclaiming our children.
Not one child should be considered insignificant. Not one young person should be regarded as expendable. Not one should be surrendered to the enemy.
Our children and youth deserve our prayers, time, resources, and our very best efforts. It is our sacred responsibility to train, strengthen, and prepare them to become faithful members of God’s heavenly family.
But, they are not merely the church of tomorrow.
They are God’s children today—and they are worth fighting for.
