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Harper Sparks is a pretty typical sixth grader. She loves football, her friends, and swimming. She also reigns as Young Miss DeKalb over in Bowie County. Her dad, James, is pastor of First Baptist Church in DeKalb, where Harper is an enthusiastic participant in church ministries and events.
But Harper also has an unusual item on her growing resume—she’s the youngest columnist for the Bowie County Citizens Tribune newspaper.
Starting a year ago, the 12-year-old middle schooler writes a weekly devotional in the lifestyle section of the paper. Her July 24 column spoke of her participation in a project for Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, a ministry that serves families who have a baby in intensive care.
“This ministry helps these families and mothers know that they are not alone, and the love of God is with them,” she wrote.
The column went on to encourage readers to find ways to let their own lights shine in the lives of those around them. She concluded with an invitation to attend her church.
James says Harper’s relatable style has made her articles popular. “[Her writing] is easy for anybody of any age to grasp … a lot of people in this community have been touched by how down to earth it is,” he said.
Her connection to the paper came about unexpectedly. Her mom, Mindy, posted an anecdote involving Harper to their church’s Facebook page after a 2023 mission trip. The editor of the paper saw the post and ended up inviting Harper to write a weekly devotion.
Taking on a weekly column is indicative of Harper’s confidence and maturity. She is bold to invite her teachers to attend First Baptist with her. Some of them have started attending, and one even credits Harper’s persistence with strengthening her own spiritual life and that of her family.
“I told [Harper], ‘No matter what else you do with your life, this is the real stuff,’” Mindy said. “You’re making a real difference in people’s lives.”
