cover
Inside a sun-lit church classroom, Mrs. Carter stands beside a flipchart labeled 'Gospel Warriors,' smiling warmly while Jessica and Janelle sit at a round table with open Bibles. Soft afternoon rays paint gentle highlights across their eager faces.
Mrs. Carter smiled. 'Gospel Warriors, attention!' Jessica, Jocelyn, and little Janelle nodded. 'Today’s mission uses John 3:16,' she said. Michelle, Michael, Kinshasa, and Myles leaned closer. 'Find the Secret of Love.'
Under bright fluorescent lights of the classroom, Jessica raises an open Bible and reads aloud the verse while Jocelyn leans close and Mrs. Carter watches proudly from the doorway. Pages gleam white against the beige walls.
Jessica opened her Bible. ''For God so loved the world,' that he gave his only begotten son and whosoever believeth on him shall not perish but have everlasting life." she read. Jocelyn whispered, 'Love gives.'. 'Let’s show love today!' Mrs. Carter winked. 'Find ways to give.'
On a breezy afternoon in the city park, Grace grips a trash bag near a leaf-strewn path while Jordan kneels with a grabber and Eli darts toward swirling candy wrappers. Wind whips litter and sunlight flickers through high branches.
We can give by helping clean the park. While liter blew, Michelle grabbed a bag. 'We’ll clean together,' Michael said. Kinshasa held the dustpan. Myles raced for fluttering wrappers. 'Love gives time,' Jessica cheered, while picking up cups.
Inside the church fellowship hall, Jocelyn carefully lifts a cardboard box of streamers beside stacked chairs, while Naomi and Eli stride past carrying folded metal chairs under warm overhead lights. The hardwood floor gleams with fresh polish.
Back at church, boxes waited. ' These are the decorations for family night,' Mrs. Carter said. Jocelyn lifted carefully. Janelle steadied the tape. Michelle and Michael carried chairs. 'Love gives help,' Jessica grinned, wiping sweat.
In the craft room lit by afternoon sun, Jordan and Naomi stand over a worktable staring at the last blue paint can, brushes poised, as Jessica offers a mixing cup between them. Dust motes drift through golden shafts of light.
While painting a poster only two paints remained. Both Myles and Michelle wanted blue. They frowned at the can. Jessica stepped between. 'Love shares,' she said. 'Mix it,' Myles offered, and Michelle nodded, smiling.
Beneath tall stained-glass windows of the sanctuary, Mrs. Carter holds up a Bible, smiling gently, while Grace and Eli stand beside her repeating the verse under soft morning light. Colored beams scatter across their clothing like jewels.
Mrs. Carter gathered them. 'John 3:16 shows God’s greatest gift,' she said. Kinshasa repeated, 'God loved.' Michael added, 'God gave.' Jocelyn finished, 'We believe,' and Janelle whispered, 'Everlasting life.' Their hearts glowed.
Around a long table in the youth room, Jessica spreads a colorful map under bright ceiling lamps, Jordan stuffs sandwiches into a backpack, and Grace arranges 'God loves you' sticker sheets nearby. Crayons and stopwatches lie scattered between them.
Jessica unfolded a map. ' The love Quest starts here,' she said. "We show love wherever we are." ''Home, school, park, and church.'' Myles packed snacks for the other Gospel Warriors. Michelle listed kind tasks. Kinshasa handed stickers saying 'God loves you,' .
In a locker-lined school hallway, Jocelyn kneels sweeping scattered papers into neat piles as Janelle presses heart stickers onto blue lockers and Jordan tapes John 3:16 cards beneath buzzing fluorescent lights. The linoleum floor reflects their busy shapes.
In the hallway, papers scattered. Jocelyn hurried, sweeping piles. 'Let’s leave encouragement notes,' Myles said. Janelle stuck hearts on lockers. Myles taped John 3:16 cards. Jocelyn whispered, 'Love gives hope everywhere.'
Outside the school courtyard during a sudden afternoon downpour, Jessica drapes her jacket over Janelle, shielding the soaked girl and their sagging posters, while gray clouds and driving rain blur the background. Water splashes off puddled bricks.
Clouds gathered fast. Rain drenched their posters. 'Oh no!' Janelle shouted. Jessica sheltered Janelle with her jacket. Mrs. Carter arrived with umbrellas. 'Press on; love doesn’t quit,' she said.
Under a pop-up canopy at dusk beside the park path, Janelle carefully pours steaming cocoa into paper cups from a thermos while Grace hands a free cup to a passerby beneath string lights. Cool evening air curls steam skyward.
Under a canopy, they set up a Love Stand. Janelle poured cocoa. Kinshasa handed cups. Michelle smiled warmly. 'It’s free,' Jocelyn said. 'God already paid with love,' Jessica added.
Inside the quiet church foyer at night, Mrs. Carter stands to hug Janelle beside a bulletin board, soft lamplight highlighting their peaceful faces and folded 'Love Quest' posters on a nearby bench. Shadows deepen around polished wooden walls.
Evening fell quietly. 'Why give so much?' Janelle asked. Mrs. Carter hugged her. 'Because God gave Jesus,' she said. 'When we believe, we share that forever love.'
In the church courtyard under morning sunshine, Jessica, Jocelyn, and Janelle clasp hands in a tight circle around an open Bible on the stone bench, smiling broadly as colorful confetti lingers on the ground. Bright flags flutter overhead.
The team circled hands. Jessica declared, 'The Secret of Love is God’s gift in Jesus.' Jocelyn added, 'Love gives.' Jessica smiled, 'Love includes everyone.' Janelle beamed, 'Let’s keep giving—every day!'
--:--
--:--
0/12