This day was not “intended” to be any different then any other day during debrief. Most times during this break, we are given a few days to process what happened the previous months and take a little time to enjoy ourselves. A lot of times i find myself during debrief, mentally stepping out of the “missionary” role in an effort to be “normal” (whatever that may mean).
Like any normal person, my friend and i decided an evening at the movies would suffice. We set out on an adventure of public African buses and walks down foreign roads to find the desired destination. As we were nearing the mall, a little boy comes running up to me. His clothes were tattered and covered in dirt. His shoes were torn open in certain areas and on one foot his toes were fully exposed. He signaled to me he was hungry and in broken English he said, “Can i have something to eat?”
Desperation.
i stopped and looked into his frail brown eyes that have seen far more desolation then most children his age. In a matter of a few seconds i was rushed by more then 8 street boys who all very similarly looked desperate, longing for food, and begging for someone to do something. i started to ask their names and how old they were. Responses like Amos, age 11, Samuel age 13, Isaiah age 12, and the names go on. i stared and thought to myself, “These boys are my sister’s age.” No older then 14 all in whom have lost both their parents either because of death or simply because they were unwanted.
Our movie starts in 30 minutes and i had a decision to make. Am i going to be who Jesus asks me to be; His hands & His feet, His disciple or am i going to try to be “normal” and just go on with my life, forgetting i ever saw them?
A grocery store to my left and all of these little boys surrounding me saying,
“Just a little bit of food.”
“Can you help us?”
The desperate aching, “Please”.
i immediately turned to my friend and said, “We have to buy them food.” i rushed over to the grocery store thinking what could i possibly buy them that would fill their empty bellies and give them some protein? Two bags of bread and a jar of peanut butter. Out of the store i rushed, sitting at a table to make as many peanut butter sandwiches as i could. i walked back across the street with the bags of food in my hands and in an instant, a sea of children ran towards me. To avoid chaos, i quickly asked them to sit against the wall in a line and insisted before i gave them food, i wanted to tell them something very important.
I gently said, “Shhhhh” to get their attention with their eyes fixed on mine. i began to share how this food was not from me or my friend, but from Jesus. i told them who Jesus Christ was and how He loved them so much. i told them that He has a plan and purpose for each of their lives and even though they are on the streets with no family, they are not orphans.
That G-d is their Father and they are His sons.
“Time to pray…”
Everyone bowed their heads and closed their eyes as we praised G-d for food and reminding us we are His children.
“In Jesus name, Amen.”
There was a homeless man to my right who looks over at me and then back at the boys and says, “Say Thank you Mama!” All of the boys, “Thank you Mama!”
As we handed out the sandwiches, i felt paralyzed in my thoughts and was quickly reminded of the Kingdom.
“Then the King will say… ‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then they will answer Him and say, ‘L-rd when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
The King of Kings was before me saying, “Thank you Mama.”
i don’t deserve a “Thanks” or “Good Job”, really i should be the one saying thank you! Thank you for allowing me to serve the very One who has given me life.
These little boys reminded me of my King. Being a disciple is not something i am supposed to be 6 out of 7 days and then take a break. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ means whenever, whomever, and however serving the least of these because it’s the very thing He represents.
If we are unable to serve the brother or sister in whom we can see, how is it possible that we can serve the G-d whom we cannot see?
Your King is before you and He has given you and i the privilege to take part in spreading His Kingdom to earth. To love the unloved. To clothe those without clothes. Ultimately to serve the King of Kings and to be Jesus for those who may never see or feel Him without your touch.
