The Toy Library: Answering God’s Invitation

Reposted October 3rd, 2025

It’s easy for me to feel despair about the state of the world. The news daily points to what’s wrong in the world. Social media amplifies the bad news, leaving the vague impression that there’s nothing I can do to make anything better. 

But on good days, I remember this: we weren’t called to “save the world” or “make the world a better place”. We are simply invited to bring Him into the places we already exist. 

I believe God uses the diversity of our experiences, passions, and gifts to be his light in all corners of this world. Actually, one of Clarksburg Church’s “rule of life” reflects this idea: we are meant to be participating in His work wherever we have been Sent. For me, that could mean the streets of my suburban neighborhood, my kids’ homeschooling co-ops, or the local aerial arts studio where I do yoga once a week. 

The question of “what exactly do you want me to be doing here?” has been a lifelong conversation between me and God. But for the past few years, I have been mulling over the vision of a Toy Library. As a stay-at-home mom of three, I have been aching for a better way to manage all of our toys, and wished there was something like the public library but for toys and educational tools. When I found nothing like that in the area, I brainstormed about starting one. After three years of starts and stops, and with lots of support from the church staff, congregation, and the local community, a humble Toy Library now operates out of Clarksburg Church. 

The Toy Library is an intersection of three issues that are dear to me: child development, sustainability and communal living. I believe they are issues God cares about too (Prov 22:6, Gen 2:15, Acts 2:44-45). 

I am thankful for the freedom in the invitation that God gives us to work alongside Him. I find great comfort in the fact that while He doesn’t need us to help Him do good things, He always wants us to. 

Written by Stephanie Cheng.