One of my favorite parts of ministry this month is going to
surrounding villages and doing children’s outreach. We go to 3 different villages each week. We act out Bible stories, sing songs, play
games, eat snacks, and sometimes even wash their hair. The kids in the village are a lot different
than the kids at school. They don’t
speak a word of English, and they are more reserved and stand-offish. They don’t come running up to you when you
get there, instead they stand there and look terrified at you. I have made at least one kid cry from just
waving at him. Who blames them though-these crazy white people coming, speaking
some kind of alien language, wanting to play with them.
I think the main reason I love this ministry is because we
get to share about the Bible in a community where Christianity doesn’t
exist. The few Christians that are in
those communities are usually shunned and treated as outcasts. And we’re getting to share the Bible with
children-the upcoming generation.
Children are so amazing. They
have such active imaginations and absolutely believe everything they hear
(child-like faith). A generation can be
risen up that knows the Bible and not only knows the Bible but knows
Jesus. Villages can be transformed. Lives can be changed. Revival can occur. Just from sharing Daniel and the lion’s den
with 30 children.
The kids may be very stand-offish when we come, but they
warm up quickly. They LOVE the stories
we tell. They sit wide eyed, holding
onto every word. They catch onto the
songs quickly and laugh and have a great time.
They absolutely love the games!
Eventually they may even come give you a high five or if you’re lucky a
hug. They are so beautiful. I have so much hope for this generation. And just because we’re leaving doesn’t mean
this ministry won’t continue. Our
amazing contacts are in those villages every week loving on these kids and
sharing God’s word with them. I love
every child and every person in those villages so much.
*Photo courtesy of Natasha Ritsema
*Photo courtesy of Natasha Ritsema
