I was reminded this week of the blessing of children. I have never imagined working with them, but God uses them in such a powerful way! A few weeks ago, on the radio, I heard someone talking about the importance of sponsoring a child. He said something along the lines of sponsoring a child gives their whole family what they need to worship Christ. Through sponsorship the child is given a bible, love, an education, and is taught about Christ. When that child comes to accept Christ into their lives he or she will then take that message to the rest of their family! It made me think about my trip to Africa. We worked with and will work with children of all ages, from different backgrounds, in different circumstances. We are called to love them and share the good news of the gospel with them. When we do that, for that child, we are impacting endless amounts of people- family, friends, future schoolmates and co-workers!
When I was reading this morning I read the story of Jesus healing an officials son in John 4: 43-54. Take time to read it. I won't add it to my post because it's very long. What really stood out to me was verse 53. It says, "Then the father realized that this was the exact time which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and all his household believed."
It is a little bit of a different circumstance, but it made me think of the power of a child. God uses these little people to do amazing things for his kingdom. This week in my arts and crafts class I saw a child show compassion for someone else through the act of making a birthday card. I have some boys in my class who don't usually care what we do because they're not interested in art. It's ok with me, but I do ask them to sit with everyone and to be on their best behavior. I asked my students to do me a favor and make a birthday card for a friend of mine who doesn't have the support of her real family. Her mother kicked her out after the graduated high school and she's put herself through college. I wanted her to have a very special birthday. As class drew closer to an end, the boy came up to me and quietly asked for a piece of blue construction paper. With 5 minutes left in class he went to the back of the class and just started doodling. As he was leaving he came up to me and handed me a card that had her name on the friend, happy birthday on the inside and a BIG purple heart that he cut from paper. My heart melted when he handed it to me because I heard the compassion in his voice as he said he hopes she has a great birthday! It's those moments where God is alive and working in our children to change this world!
I can't wait to go back to Uganda and to work with these children, but I am blessed by the blessing of the children all around me here, too!
Luke 9:48 says, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is the least among you all- he is the greatest." Amina!
This picture is from my friends birthday dinner when she got all of her birthday cards! Happy 21st birthday!
What a blessing your friend must have received with all that love in those cards. You are planting seeds in the lives of those children and they will continue to grow mija. I am proud of you and continue to lift your trip in prayer. May God continue to guide your steps as you work for His people and His kindgom.
ReplyDeleteLove, Mama