Ever since the third week of ministry, on Thursdays I’ve gotten to go with team Agape to San Lorenzo . There ministry involves working with a christian school organization for the kids of that town.
They most often put one of us racers in each group of kids. The kids are split into grades and normally have a local teacher with them. They are taught English, math, writing, art, sports, games, and probably more. I’m not 100% sure honestly. The past few weeks I’ve normally been put with the group that plays games with the kids. Because I know not a lick of Spanish this is very interesting. I’m not much of a teacher. I am just there to play along with the kids.
This week was hectic because for some reason most of the teachers weren’t there at the field where we do school with the kids. Because of this there was very minimal structure. We were literally told to just entertain the kids. They did split us up into groups at least.
The lack of structure was definitely a hindrance in some ways and caused some frustration. But for me, it was a really good time. They are so easily entertained. And their smiles are the most precious and heartwarming smiles I’ve ever seen; they make it all worth it. They are so cute and the fact that they really enjoy me chasing and tickling them gave me joy. Whenever I decided to spin the kids around or throw them up or give them piggy back rides I was in for it; they would never give me rest.
The kids run up to me saying “prophe, prophe!” I had no idea what this meant for the longest time. I thought they were asking me to do something or trying to tell me something. But then I realized that they were just doing there best to call me “professor.” I found that really funny but I really loved it too. I’m not sure why I enjoyed it so much; maybe just the fact they probably don’t know what a professor is and that I definitely am not one; but to them I am a professor. “Cargo mae, cargo mae,” they would beg. I had no idea what this meant either. But based off the fact that they would say it while lifting up their arms and waiting expectantly in front of me I figured that what they meant was “carry me.” What could I do but oblige? One boy kept offering me his limited supply of water because I had been spinning him a lot. I refused as politely as I could not wanting to take what little water he had. It was sad though because he wouldn’t let any other kids drink it even when they obviously wanted it.
Many of the kids here are so desperate for attention. And the moment I give it to them many just want more. Some become super clingy, literally. They grab around my legs or hold tightly to my hand. I love being loved so much by the kids. But there is another side of it that’s super sad. I have done very little for these kids; just brought a little joy and shown a little love; immediately they can’t let go of me. A couple little (maybe six or seven years old) boys actually started fighting because they both wanted to hold my hand. Some fists started to be thrown before I could stop it. I can only imagine the family situations some of these kids are growing up in. Are they being raised by a single mother? Are they in a family so stretched financially that neither parent has time or energy to invest love into them? Are they in a family divided because of addictions, abuse, etc.? How often are these kids hungry or thirsty? How often do they have an adult to play with? How often are they shown love by a stranger?
I will probably never know the answer to these questions. But whatever their situations, I do know this: Jesus loved children. He said that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those like children. And that the greatest in Heaven would be the one most like a child. He said that to refuse a child a glass of water would bring about curses on you but offering a child a glass of water will bring blessing. He said that whatever we do for the least of these we have done for Him. So what an honor and a joy to give these kids attention and love and bring them joy even for just one afternoon. It’s worth it to humble myself and be a little extra tired if it means that one more child will experience joy and love from the Father. They probably simply think the attention they are receiving is from some big goofy white kid who can’t speak but won’t stop smiling. I can only pray that one day they know the love and joy I gave was really from their Father, who’s attention and love has never left them; I can only pray that they grow to have their own personal and intimate relationships with Him.
Something that’s been brought up here a lot is that we will never know the full extent of the affect we make on these people. We are planting seeds and we have seen so much fruit. But what we’ve seen is incomparable to what we won’t see. Speaking up one time when the Lord gives a word; listening to one beggar’s story; bringing one person love and acknowledgment; saving one person’s soul may have an impact on generations. That one saved soul may go out and make many disciples. That one soul may become the head of a family that is brought up in the love of Christ.
I’ve been listening to Keith Green a lot while I’ve been on the Race. One of His songs is called A Billion Starving People. It talks about how so many people are lost, in pain, and suffering without God. And how it seems impossible that a single person could make a difference. But one can make a difference. It only takes one to lead someone into God’s love. You don’t need to change the world today. Simply go out and share God’s love with someone. Step out courageously and give hope to a lost soul. You can bring someone into the goodness and love you have found in God. You can impact eternity today.
