In Puerto Cabezas, we were asked to teach at two schools–one campus on the property we stayed, one at a nearby airport school. Out of obligation, I volunteered for the on-campus school for Thursdays and Fridays during the month of February. That way I only have to go 4 times, so I thought. I really wanted to do construction. Even though I’d only spent one evening with the kids, I already was beginning to love them (see Nightly Hugs & Kisses blog), so I thought the on-campus school wouldn’t be that bad.
There’s good news and bad news. Bad news: For the days I volunteered, we didn’t have a translator at my school. Did I mention that my only Spanish training was 16 years ago? Yeah. So, obviously I couldn’t teach the kids who speak Miskito and are learning Spanish. It gets worse. The Nicaraguan friends who came with us to Granada only spoke Spanish. About 4 or 5 Nicaraguans also signed up to teach with me (good), but I couldn’t communicate with them for preparation or teaching (bad). Fortunately, my Nica friends joyfully taught the kids. I just participated the best I could. Later in the week, I found out that as an American, I gave my Nica friends credibility in the eyes of the students.
The good news: Recess! I thought only kids loved recess. I was wrong. It was my favorite time of the day. The kids didn’t care that I spoke basic, broken Spanish. They just wanted hugs and chatting with them, sometimes singing Bible songs with them. They loved kisses on their head and hugs. One little girl bought a lollipop for me each recess. It was pure sugar cane on a toothpick. I shared it.
Amazing things happened at the other (airport) school. Let me share with you one day, as told to me by my friends who taught there. The last day, they visited all the classes, just to say goodbye. One class was filled with rebellious juniors, who had given my friends a hard time in the past. After saying goodbye, one of our Nicaraguan friends began speaking on Luke 20 the parable of the vineyard owner.
A little background, Luke 20:1-20 is the passage that the Lord laid on my heart earlier that week to teach. The church holds mid-week services on Thursday evenings; I was asked to preach one evening. After praying about it, God confirmed that calling and gave me two points: 1. Speak the truth in love aiming for peace when God sends you as a messenger, even when it hurts. I asked the people how they are speaking the truth in love in words and deeds. 2. Each person has a choice�to reject the Son Jesus Christ like in the parable, or to accept Jesus whom the Father sent to gather “fruit.” I challenged the audience whether they have accepted Christ, and if so how they are the bearing fruit.
At the airport school later that week, our Nicaraguan friend used that message to challenge the students whether they had accepted or rejected Christ, like in the parable. One student, the biggest trouble maker of that challenging class, stood up and said that he wanted a changed life. He wanted to accept Jesus in his life. That young man began to follow Christ that day. After class, 9 more students began to follow Jesus. Praise God!
God used the Thursday message to plant a seed, which was then spread to the students, which then resulted in youth accepting Christ, glorifying God. I know God will also use the seeds planted at the other school. God only knows what seeds He planted during recess!
