How a local sixth grader is bringing his friends closer to God
Photo by Jamie Plain
Apopular verse of scripture from the book of Matthew, has been interpreted many ways over the course of time. It has been most commonly associated with possessing a “childlike” faith, trusting fully in Christ.
Abel Farmer is a 6th grader at Daviess County Middle School. He’s a charismatic kid, who loves to play basketball, and spend time with his friends. It just so happens that he is also driven by an immense faith that motivates him to love others – a childlike faith, reflective in everything he does.
Compelled to take a different path and driven by his heart, Abel reflects on how a single thought changed his life and reshaped his dream to make a lasting difference.
“I was just sort of thinking in class one day,” he said. “I knew that many of my friends didn’t go to church, and I just got it on my mind. It sort of bothered me.”
That thought sparked an idea, and that idea has now grown into a bible study that continues to grow, facilitated fully by a sixth grade student with a vision.
The son of Andy and Amber Farmer, Abel along with the support of his parents, set out to change things in a positive way. Having been inspired to reach his closest friends, and more kids at his school, Abel embarked on a mission. Once a week, for 30 minutes, kids would gather in his garage in a circle. A support system of sorts was established as bible study members began to gather on couches and bean bags.
To help make the study more inviting, Abel offers snacks. Chips, according to the sixth grader, are a bible study staple.
“It’s kind of been an ongoing joke at my church,” Abel said. He attends Owensboro Christian Church with his family, and his pastor has even joined in on the fun.
“My pastor stood on stage one Sunday with a bag of chips in his hand,” Abel said. “Everything’s better with chips after all.”
Aside from the snacks and the fellowship, Abel feels confident both the discussion topics and the prayer requests given are making a difference in the lives of his friends.
Averaging 10-13 friends a week, Abel is a young person unlike most. He stays focused on facilitating an independent bible study that appeals to young people, while staying true to the gospel. He hopes to keep things relevant and interesting.
“I like to ask them questions sometimes,” he said. “I want to do this on my own, I want them to think about why they show up every week. I want their head in the game. I’ve seen a lot of them get locked in, and that’s awesome when that happens!”
Having held onto his vision, since launching his own bible study, the seed Abel has planted has only grown.
“I have a friend in Union County who has started his own bible study too. I hope more of them pop up,” Abel said.
When asked about the impact of Abel’s bible study, many of his friends were quick to note the positive influence it has had on their lives.
“It’s a super fun place to learn about God with my friends,” Brayden Hagan said.
Friends Levi Hausner and Reece Rowan also added that they loved the social aspect.
“I go there to learn about Jesus, spend time with my friends who also love Jesus, and I like getting to hang out with them after bible study. I am learning how to pray,” Reece said.
Levi Hausner is a big fan of the bible study topics.
“Abel always talks about different topics that are good,” Levi said.
Although he is just a boy, somewhat likened to David in the Bible, there is no giant he fears. He stands firm within his faith, devoted to service, determined to spread the gospel, encouraging everyone in his path.
When asked about his future plans, Abel isn’t one to shy away from what lies on his heart. He explains by leaning into one of his favorite bible verses.
“Philippians 4:13 says that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Someday I hope to baptize my friends. That might sound kind of weird, but not to me. That’s the goal,” he said.
That kind of love inspires both young and old. An endearing love – one that we could all learn from.