What’s in a Name?… Missionary

 

 Forrest and Darcy are two incredible people who just so happened to be
our contacts this past month!

 

 

Serving with them has allowed me to get a whole different perspective on what being a missionary can look like.  I’ve come to realize that missionaries don’t have to be preaching all day every day. I treasure the times I saw Forrest simply playing with the kids, showing
them a glimpse of a love they’re never known…

 

 

 

The day he was running
around the pool chasing a kid with a bucket on his head,

 

 

or climbing a
tree with some of the boys and “ooo”-ing like a monkey when they reached
the top.

 

And how Darcy practices hospitality like none other, creating a safe and loving atmosphere for everyone around her…

 

hosting tea parties for each team of kids (even the groups of rambunctious boys), showing them they are precious and worthy
of love and respect. 

 

 

Forrest and Darcy show them the Love of Christ… real, authentic Love. Sometimes this is by being silly with them, allowing them to experience an actual childhood. Sometimes this is by holding them when they cry. Sometimes this is by embracing them even after they’ve punched his gut countless times. Sometimes being a missionary means using words only when necessary.

 

The fun times he had with them built the
relationship that they now share, complete with trust and respect that
is rare for them. And the kind that quiets them when Forrest speaks so
that they listen to what he has to say… about the day, about life,
about God.