The Free Period

With just two days of ministry left on the race, I prayed hard for God to show up and show up big.

He never fails.

Our contact, Solomon, decided that for our last two days, he wanted to take us to tour the local schools. Walking through the halls of the high school, I couldn't stop smiling. The students had just returned to school after a three-week holiday break, and they looked so refreshed. We entered a classroom and introduced ourselves to the sea of emerald green uniforms.

"I'm Lindsey from the state of Florida," I stated, as all the kids listened intently and excitedly.

Solomon explained to them who we were and why we were there, all the while I was smiling at each of them, hoping and praying they would know just how beautiful and special they are.

After roaming around for a little longer and chatting with some of the students that we had been working with all month, I began to hear the most beautiful song. I tried to focus on what the kids were saying, but I was busy looking around to see where the music was coming from.

"I want to go where the music is," I blurted out, not expecting anyone to have heard me. "Ok, let's go," one of the students said. "You will take me there?" I asked. "Of course," he said.

We followed him into a classroom that echoed with passionate and angelic voices. Is this what I think it is?

Wrapped up in all the excitement, I didn't ask any questions. I just wanted to take it all in. But moments later, it was confirmed to me by one of the students that we were indeed in a church service.

A church service being run completely by students during their free period.

No teachers. No pastor. Just students who have an intense passion for The Lord and aren't ashamed of it.

TYJ!

I look back on my high school years and remember spending my free time playing pranks on people in the band room or smoking in the parking lot. Albeit I wasn't a Christian at the time, but even if I had been, I can almost guarantee I wouldn't have spent my free time holding a church service and singing loudly for all to hear.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news, but man how beautiful are the feet of those who stand up for what they believe in and proclaim it boldly within their community.

My heart was so blessed today. And boy did those kids teach me something! How often do I have a block of free time where I want to sing and worship God, but I hold back out of fear. Fear that people will think I'm strange. AND I LIVE WITH MISSIONARIES! Those kids taught me a lot about having boldness in faith. They sang without shame or fear of judgment. They prayed loudly and worshiped with hands held high despite being in the middle of their school. I will absolutely cherish this day for as long as I live, and I pray that I will move forward with a fraction of the faith and boldness I witnessed in them.