While making our journey to our next ministry in Swaziland, we had to make a detour to drop off a group at El Shaddi. After gawking over God's amazing beauty, we arrived at the top of a mountain that when you do a full 360 all you see is His painting of green lands with boulders and mountains in the distance. It is truly breath taking!
(View on the way to El Shaddi)
I got off the bus knowing that I would not be staying and immediately meet my new best friend, Banzi, a 5 year old with the wisdom of a 13 year old. He began telling me about "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," the book he was holding. As he concluded, he grabbed my hand to show me around. Before I knew it we were playing and giggling until I had to leave.
(Right after Banzi took my hand to play)
The important thing about this story is that God reminded me of who I am and who He is. He showed me, just when I thought my passion for mission was fading as I was falling back into the American way during my debrief in South Africa, that I still have an all consuming fire for missions and serving Him. Then He gently reminded me that I must love everyone like I do Banzi. Even during the times that everyone is on my last nerve, God still sees them as I do Banzi, a child. His precious child that He longs to have a relationship with and loves so much He sent His son to die. The verse " But Jesus said, 'Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" continually played through my head. No matter who I encounter, they are and will always be God's child and He desperately wants them to know Him so that the kingdom can also be theirs. To say the least my attitude has changed dramatically just by a child taking my hand…
Welcome to the Kingdom.
