"Missionaries don't like us," is what Isaac, Kristi, and I heard through our translator the first Saturday we went to visit a remote village. We were pretty shocked to hear this and couldn't understand why this was. It was a beautiful village set in between rivers with mountains in the distance and the people were welcoming and friendly. They were also hungry for more of the word, more teaching, and more love. I felt a feeling of rejection and outcast among them. But, I could also sense their excitement that we were there and even more so when we said we would come back the next week to teach their children. As I prayed for the village before we left I knew that God had something big coming.
The next Saturday a group of us headed over the rivers into the village. We were all excited to get there and see what was going to happen. I had a simple lesson planned with a game, song, and the story of Zacchaues which we were going to read and act out. With our translator and snacks we were ready to meet whatever children God had planned to join us.
When we got to the village the kids were swimming/bathing the canal, people were doing their laundry, and karaoke was playing. The people were shy but would smile and gently respond when we greeted them. We headed to a little shelter down the road and slowly the children followed us. They were shy and it took a little while for them to warm up but a simple game of Oh Lay Lay got them out of their shells, giggling and smiling.
When I was telling them the story of Zacchaues God just really reminded me why I was here. To love and teach children. To share His name and His love with all those I meet. I loved telling the children the story of how even though people didn't like Zacchaues, like they thought people didn't like their village, Jesus loved them and wanted to be their friend.
As I walked away from the village I knew that this was where God wanted me to be that day. He wanted me to go and teach His word to the children so they could go and tell their parents that they are loved, not rejected or treated like outcasts. They are children of God, loved and cherished, and Jesus wants to be their friend.
