These
last few weeks I have been struck with how simple the Gospel is and the life of
a Christian really is. Yes, there
are deep theological questions that burn within us, but God knows the
simplicity of our minds and calls us to do the simple stuff, leaving the rest
to Him. This last week we had the opportunity to help out a school by teaching
English to the students. Now, I
know that I am no teacher and I have no formal training but hey, when God calls
you answer. No questions, just obedience.
So I taught… 1st grade, 2nd grade, 4th
grade and 5th grade!!
There were definitely challenges to teaching when there is a language
barrier, such as “how do I get the students to follow what I do in a game of
Simon Says??”
It
was in these moments where I saw the true heart of God for the Thai people and
I was affected by their excitement to just be near us. That’s what it should be like in our
times with God as well. Often
times we overcomplicate things and make it seem in our minds that we are only
called to do grand things for God’s glory. The reality is that we should desire to first, spend time
with the Lord and just enjoy His presence, and secondly we should not think of
ourselves too high to do the small things. Small things often speak louder than big things.
Another
thing that has really affected me has been spending time with the children here
at the orphanage. Each child here
has captured my heart; I see so much in them. Fil and Fern for example are twins whose parents died of
aids. They now live at the
orphanage and are such a joy to be around. Fil is my little cockroach wrangler and I love his servants
heart. Fern has this enthusiasm
that spreads to those around her and her smile could melt your heart. Dtoy and Taan are sisters whose birth
father lit their clothes on fire.
They also now live here and each precious girl means so much to me. Dtoy is a little performer and loves to
put on shows. Taan loves reading
and I think one day she might be a teacher.
I
am so thankful for these amazing kids and the testimony they have given me as
to the power of the simple things
in life. I have felt so much joy
from sharing life with them and speaking truth to them of who they are in God’s
eyes. God fights for the orphans
and encourages us to “let the little children come” to Him. I will never be the same.
