Children

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DJ’S MISSION PROJECT
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you
were working for the Lord and not for people.” - Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

DJ and Erik sat at the kitchen table eating fresh-from-the-oven cookies. “Yummy,” Erik said. “These are the best.” With a mouth full of cookies, DJ nodded his head in agreement. Mom smiled at these two twelve-year old best friends.

“Guess what Mom?” DJ said. “Erik and I have come up with a great idea for the mission fundraiser event. Want to hear our plans?” “Absolutely” Mom said, “Tell me all about it.” Mom pulled up a chair and sat at the table with the boys, grabbing a cookie herself.

“Well, we’re going to put on a circus. We got some kids from church willing to participate in the event. We have an awesome surprise to end the circus with.” The two boys giggled as DJ punched Erik in the arm.

“Another thing,” DJ went on to say, “Erik’s mom is making brownies to sell. Mom, will you make these awesome cookies? We could sell these too.” “Of course,” mom replied. “I like your plans by-the-way. Sounds like a lot of fun.”

“Come on Erik, hurry and eat your cookie. We have lots of work to do before Friday night.” Erik grabbed another cookie as the two boys ran out of the kitchen into the backyard chattering about how awesome this circus would be and how much money they would make.

Monday morning DJ’s dad was helping the boys build a stage for their circus event. It was being built in the corner of the church parking lot. The stage would be painted a bright yellow then decorated with orange and green crepe paper streamers, adding purple balloons. “This is going to be awesome,” DJ said. “Thanks Dad for helping us.” “You know I love doing projects with you. This has been a lot of fun,” dad said as he gave the boys each a high five.

With the stage finished, the boys and their friends could begin practicing for Friday night. Four of DJ’s friends had agreed to show off their talents during this circus event. As the kids were practicing, DJ and Erik were scheming on what they would be doing. Their costumes were made, thanks to the help of Erik’s mom. Now they just had to come up with the dialog to go along with the costumes.

Finally Friday night arrived. The stage was ready. Chairs were set up for the guests. Desserts were arranged on the long table to sell, and six excited kids were ready to put on a show.

First to perform was Sallie. Wearing sparkly blue leotards and a matching top, Sallie performed a gymnastic routine. She tumbled. She did cart-wheels. Ending her performance with a back-flip. The audience clapped loudly as she sweetly took a bow.

Second up was Billy and his Poodle Daisy, who had a bright purple bow clipped to each ear. Daisy did some amazing tricks which had the audience laughing and whistling. Who knew a Poodle could jump like that. Daisy was incredible.

Next was Evie showing off her baton skills. Evie looked amazing in her red-white and blue costume. Evie marched around the stage to the sound of Stars and Stripes Forever. High into the air the batons flew. Evie caught every one, to the delight of the audience.

A circus would not be complete without the unicycle. Sammy rode his unicycle around and around. In and out among the crowd, waving to the audience as he rode. He even did a few tricks while riding. People oohed and aahed with his every move.

Stopping in front of the audience, from his perch on top of the unicycle, Sammy announced loudly, “And now ladies and gentlemen, we have our last performers. I am pleased to introduce to you, Mo and Dudley. Gentlemen, please take the stage.”

Two adorable clowns walked across the stage. Mo (who was really Erik) was dressed in a red wig, navy blue pants and a white shirt. A gold star on his shirt identified him as a Policeman. Next to follow was Dudley (who was really DJ). He was dressed in a yellow wig, straw hat, baggy brown pants with a green plaid shirt. He looked like farmer Brown.

The two began their dialog.

“Hey there, Dudley, I’m going to have to give you a ticket for illegally parking your truck.”

“Why is that, Mo? The sign said, ‘Fine for Parking.’”

The audience caught the joke and laughed. Someone shouted “good one Dudley.”

“Hey, Mo, here’s one for you,” said Dudley. “What would you call the USA if everyone had a pink car?”

“I don’t know Dudley, what would they call it?”

“ A pink-car-nation.”

Sounds of laughter filled the air. The audience clapped and cheered for these two.

At the end of the program, all six kids took a bow. It was the two clowns who received the loudest applause.

Dudley, or rather DJ, took center stage. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a big announcement to make. As you know us kids wanted to raise money for the mission project. This circus was the idea we came up with. I hope you enjoyed it.”

People clapped enthusiastically.

“I am pleased to announce that, with your help, we were able to raise $672 to give toward the church mission fund. Thank you to all who helped.”

“Hey Mo, what did you think of this event?”

“Well, Dudley, I thought it a super-duper, merrymaking night.

With a wave and a bow, two boys shouted “Bye, y’all. Thanks for coming.”

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