The last few weeks have been such a blessing from the Lord. The kids are amazing. We went there to teach them but they ended up teaching us. They are thankful for everything. Small and big. They pray and expect that they will be given what they ask for. They believe they have everything. These kids are so happy even though so many hard things have happened to them. They have all lost so much, but you would never know because praise and thanksgiving flows out of them every moment. Each of them is so thankful to God for saving them and changing their live. Everynight they gather and sing songs expressing their thanks to him. The songs fill the night until the children are too tired to carry on. Then they all cry out and pray to God. Chechwa prayers of thankgiving for arriving home safely, for healing their sickness, for the healing of their sick friend, for the provision of food and shelter, and someone to take care of them, for the sacrifice of Jesus, for a God who listens to their prayers, for God himself. The sound is more beautiful than anything I have experienced. I may not know the exact words but I can hear, feel and see the faith and love and joy pouring out of each of these children. Our voices combined was yet another picture of heaven for me. I will never fully be able to put into words the experience I had at Temane Orphanage. It was simple, pure. Many times I couldn’t believe what I saw further God’s kingdom. Coloring pages, paper, crayons, marbles, hair clips, hugs, games, laughter and fun. There was no earth shattering movement of the spirit. There were no prayer vigles or revival meetings. It looked nothing like what I expected coming into Africa. However, it was more tangilble more palbable. Love. Love that came from each child. Not only for their God, but for one another and me. I have travelled the world and I have never experienced community like I did at Temane Orphanage. They are family. The body of Christ brought together through tragedy and heart break. The body of Christ bringing glory to their father in heaven.
Another facet of Raise Up! was discipleship. Every night as we gathered around the fire to pray and sing we would read stories from the Bible. Upon arriving, we asked the kids if they knew the stories of the Old Testament. A few of the older children knew some of the stories but most did not. No better place to start then the beginning From creation to the battle of Jericho, we would tell the stories of God’s faithfulness and glory. As the smaller children drowsily stumbled to their mats, the older ones would crowd around the bible engrossed with the illustrations. The first few nights all the characters were identified as Jesus. Slowly we would turn each pages introducing the spiritual likes of Abraham, Joseph and King David. The wonder in there eyes humbled and reminded me how to treasure the word.
Thank you again for support and encouragement. God has used you to make eternal investments in the lives of our children in Temane. May you be blessed by His extravangance.
