On the third Sabbath of every month, Terrina Williams tells the Children’s Story at Meadowbridge Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mechanicsville, Virginia. This year, Sabbath, June 21st, happened to be a special day—World Refugee Day.
To mark the occasion, Terrina chose the hymn “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” For months, the children had been learning the histories behind their favorite songs, and this Sabbath was no different. But today’s story carried an extra meaning, one that connected the children to refugees around the world through the work of ADRA.
Terrina had reached out to Sharon Aka, ADRA’s Director of Adventist Partnerships, to ask if she might share resources with the children. Aka joyfully agreed, sending children’s books titled They Call Me a Migrant, along with ADRA coloring sheets, and small 3D coin banks for the children to take home.
The Story Behind the Song
On Sabbath morning, Terrina stood before the children with great anticipation. She told them about Reverend Clarence Herbert Woolston, pastor of East Baptist Church in Philadelphia, who wrote “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” Each week, children from many different nationalities came to hear his sermons—and watch his magic tricks. Sadly, while the pastor welcomed them, others in the church did not. Parents told their children to stay away from the migrants. Some even left the sanctuary in protest.
Rev. Woolston’s heart ached over this unchristlike spirit. One night, moved by the Holy Spirit, he sat down to write a hymn that would capture the truth of God’s love for every child. His words still resonate today:
“Red and yellow, black and white,
They are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.”
Learning About Refugees
After telling the story, Terrina asked the children: “Do you know who a migrant or refugee is?” When no one raised their hand, she explained: “A migrant or refugee is someone who has to leave their country—sometimes because of poverty, sometimes because of tornadoes or hurricanes, and sometimes because of war or danger. They are looking for safety and hope.”
She then introduced the children to ADRA, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, which works in more than 100 countries to help people facing disasters, war, and poverty.
A Gift from ADRA
At the close of the story, Terrina handed out the books and coin banks that ADRA had sent. The children were thrilled. She encouraged them: “This summer, as you color and build your coin banks, think about how you can support ADRA’s global mission—or even help someone in need right here in your neighborhood. You are never too young to serve the Lord or make a difference.”
The children’s responses showed that the message had landed: “It is good to help all people in need.” “We should love one another.” “We can work hard for Jesus.”
Gratitude and Impact
Antoinette Murekatete, Children’s Story Ministries Director, expressed her gratitude:
“I just want to say thank you, ADRA, for all you have done worldwide. Thank you for the gifts you sent for our children here at Meadowbridge. The coin banks and the books are treasures. The children are already using them to collect coins for ADRA. May God continue to bless and provide for you as you bless others.”
On World Refugee Day Sabbath, the children of Meadowbridge Adventist Church learned not only the story behind a beloved hymn but also what it means to follow Jesus’ example—to love, welcome, and care for all of God’s children.
