The memory of that day with Andrea haunted me. I could see her little eyes glancing up at me and feel her hand squeezing mine, but I knew I needed to do more than just smile and give her a hug as I saw her on the streets each day. I needed to ask myself the question that has become so cliche, but still rings true…what would Jesus do for Andrea, her sister, Flori, and their cousin, Marion?
A few days later, some girls on my pack had some time to pray about what we should be doing that morning. When we came back together to discuss what we felt, those three sweet faces kept swirling in my head. Since they had consumed my thoughts for days, I was hesitant to voice my idea about them, assuming that I had conjured up this idea on my own. That is until another girl spoke up that she felt like we should spend our morning helping those same three children. My heart was filled with hopeful expectancy.
We left our house to purchase warm clothes and clean underwear for each of the kids. We then went to the same Penny Market where Andrea had been so poorly treated just days before to buy washcloths, soap, deodorant, food, and juice. As we put each of their items in bags, my heart was overflowing with joy. Walking down the street, hoping to catch a glimpse of the kids that were usually right wherever we were, I kept praying they would understand Christ’s love through this simple act of taking care of their physical needs. When Flori appeared out of nowhere, I couldn’t help but smile as she wrapped her arms around me.
We took the kids to a nearby park and sat them down. As we handed each child their bag, we said “Isus te iubeste” (Jesus loves you). Their smiles were wide as they unloaded each gift from their bag. Marion lifted each item out while saying, “Mamma mia!” and handed it to us for safe keeping. Andrea rifled through her bag, holding up her favorite items. Flori silently looked at each piece of clothing as if it were a precious gem. When they finished opening their gifts, these normally rowdy children sat perfectly still as they let us pray over each one of them individually. After the prayer, Flori squeezed me so tight, I thought she would never let go, and then each of them gave us all huge hugs and smiles as we told them again how much Jesus loves them.
This memory that is burned into my heart stands as a reminder that if we are to truly call ourselves Christ-followers, then we must be his hands and his feet; we must do what He would do, love those He would love, show mercy and kindness to those He would show mercy and kindness to.
“For I was hungry and you gave Me food;
I was thirsty and you gave Me drink;
I was a stranger and you took Me in…
whatever you have done for the least of these
you have done for Me”
Matthew 25:35, 40
