Ellen White’s Last Kids’ Talk

How would you like a prophet to lead worship at your school?

That’s what happened in 1913 at an elementary school in California, United States. It was picnic day, and the students were excited about the prospect of playing outdoors instead of studying! The kids at the school loved Ellen White, and they didn’t complain when she was the devotional speaker. Mrs. White loved children, and enjoyed telling them stories and encouraging them to love Jesus.

Since it was a special day, do you think Mrs. White just told a quick story and let the children run to their games? Oh, no! She talked for quite a while, and then said a short prayer. As far as we know, no one complained and wished that she would stop. Imagine that you were with that group of children, listening to Mrs. White. It was a June day in California, so the sunshine probably was warm and bright, and the flowers were in full, beautiful bloom. Are you in listen-mode? This is what you would have heard:

“I am glad to have the privilege of meeting with those who have gathered here today. I feel an earnest desire that every one of you shall be victorious in the struggle against evil. . . . I have always had an special interest in the youth. I see before me today those whom I know God can use if they will put their dependence in Him. 

‘There is nothing to be ashamed of in being a Christian. It is an honor to follow the Savior.’

“Children, if you will be in earnest in serving God, you will be a help to all with whom you associate. There is nothing to be ashamed of in being a Christian. It is an honor to follow the Savior. . . .

“I was very young when I began to serve the Lord. I am now 85 years old. In my childhood, affliction came to me, and I have been a sufferer all my life. But the Lord has been my strength to do His service, and I have been able to speak again and again to congregations numbering thousands of people. . . .The Lord has never forsaken me. Always He has been my helper, as He will be yours if you will trust in Him. . . .

“Students, be determined that you will follow on to know the Lord. Remember that angels are beside you. They see all your efforts against wrong. They understand all your difficulties. . . . Jesus wants every one of you. He died that you and I might be among those who shall wear the crown of life. . . . 

“May the Lord bless you all. We shall think of you and pray for you.”*

So what do you think? If you had been sitting in that California schoolyard, would you have listened carefully? More than 100 years later her message still speaks to young people today. She wanted those students—and us—to know that following Jesus is something to be proud of. She reminded them that God never abandons His children, that angels are near, and that Jesus wants each of us in His kingdom. The same God who helped Ellen White through her challenges promises to help you, too. And who knows? Maybe God will use your life to encourage others to follow Him as well.

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*You can read her entire devotional message for that picnic day as well as her closing prayer in the book Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, pp. 334-336.