By HAROLD KELLER

The Bible says that we are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit those who are lonely, in jail or sick.

Last Thursday, I had the privilege of visiting Children’s Hospital in New Orleans with Pat Hymel and 33 students from Riverside Academy.

Since school began in September, Hymel, Coach Fernandez and Jeremy St. Amant have led a Christian group of students every Thursday at 7:15 a.m., discussing many subjects, all dealing with being better Christians and encouraging them to be positive influences in their community. The group is strictly voluntary. Individual participation during the meeting is welcomed. The 7:15 a.m. starting time means that a student must get to school 45 minutes early. It takes a little sacrifice to be a member.

It’s been my pleasure to attend these meetings and see some of our young people with a hunger to know more about Jesus and a godly lifestyle.

The idea for the trip to the hospital got started around the Christmas holidays when Courtney Simon, a member of the group, wrote me a letter. She said that the holidays were welcomed, but her regret was that we wouldn’t have our regular meetings for two weeks. She also said that her desire was to visit Children’s Hospital.

Well, last week, because of Courtney’s desire, the trip became a reality. I’m sure most of the students felt they were going to minister to the children. That was their plan but God, being God, had a different plan. It was for His special people, the little children at the hospital, to touch the hearts of the students, Hymel and myself. It was an awakening and a great way to spend a day!

On the way home, two students said that they wanted to volunteer at the hospital this summer.

I believe everyone was touched in a special way. Hymel said that the kids, no matter how sick, were more at peace and seemed happier than us. I had to agree.

I pray that none of us who made the trip will ever be the same. If the secret to living is giving, last week the group learned one of the greatest lessons in life – we gain by giving what we cannot buy with money.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477 or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084.