As I sit on my bed packing for our journey to Nepal certain sadness hangs over me. I know I will be leaving a part of my heart here with the children of Africa. Africa has not been easy by any means, but I think I have learned more in the last three months than I have in the last three years of my life.
Africa is a very overtly dark place. Witch doctors are often the quick fix for any ailments and demon possessed women will sit on the street corner yelling curses at you. Poverty here is harsh and common. Sometimes the oppression on the continent is so heavy you can feel it seeping into your heart. People are constantly coming up to me and asking me for money, or electronics, or simply asking me to marry them so they can have all of my money and electronics. Sometimes the hopelessness gets to me and I wonder how any of this can possibly change.
And then I look at the children.
The street children of Singida that have followed us around for the last three weeks have worked their way into a place deep inside of my heart. I miss them already. Every day they would coming running up to us and launch themselves into my arms. They are always quick to laugh and have never once asked me for anything. But I give them what I do have. I can love them! And I do…so much!
As I was reading through Luke the other day I came across a verse that I could not look away from.
“For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask more.” (Luke 12:48)
Sometimes I don’t think so, but I have been given a rich and abundant life. I was first struck with guilt when I read this. I know God blesses me so I can bless others. We are supposed to share our trials, so why not our blessings to? Jesus gave us the responsibly to care for the lost, the widows, the poor, and the orphans. Sometimes I think we do not do a very good job of that when I look around and see so many orphans sleeping in the streets, and widows begging for food and people who have never heard the name of Jesus.
Africa is hard, but I have been given much and so much is required…and I think much is hard sometimes. But it is all worth it when I see the smiles on the children’s faces when I hug them, and when they are handed a bowl of rice and beans.
We can make a difference in the next generation. They are the hope and future of Africa. The kingdom of heaven belongs to THEM! We need to give them much, because they will be the ones who will change the world!
I have left part of my heart with the children of Africa…who knows? Maybe someday I will come back to get it.
Kwaherini, Africa!
Here is a quick recap in pictures of our journey the last three months!
Kigali, Rwanda: Preaching and evangelism with Pastor Moises at Gospel Center Church
Kitale, Kenya: teaching classes and activities for the street children that live and go to school at Challenge Farm.
Singinda, Tanzania: evangelism and working with street children and Hope Extended orphan center.
