On Thursday, my ministry in the afternoon was to go with my teammate Jessica to a children's Bible study in one of the gypsy neighborhoods. We were to meet with a woman named Veronica and walk to the house where the Bible study would be held. I really have gotten used to the cold weather. While it doesn't feel warm by any means, I enjoy our walks to ministry. I love seeing all of the buildings covered in snow and icicles. I try to smile at people as they walk by, even though I have been warned that it is not in their nature to smile back. It's still worth a try!
I have to admit that I was a little concerned about what this experience might entail. I was keeping an open mind, but after my experience with the gypsy woman in my kitchen a few days before, I thought at the very least, it would be an adventure. As I walked there, Veronica explained what was expected of us. We would speak to the children about Exodus 20: The Ten Commandments. Oh goodness, do a group of 6-12 year old children really sit still for 2 hours to hear about The Ten Commandments in another language? I wondered how we would explain adultery to them, and what kind of examples we could give them for why it is wrong to steal, when they might see it every day as a part of life. Veronica said that they understand the commandments in theory, but they need to be given examples so that they understand how to apply them to their lives.
As we turned the corner off of the main road, I saw 7 children RUNNING down the street toward us. "Is that them?" I asked Veronica. I was pretty excited. This was definitely a good start. She said of course it was them, and they always run to greet her. She lit up as she saw them and gave each of them a hug. We walked to a home arm in arm with the children and were introduced to the whole family that lived there. One by one more people trickled into the room where we were having the lesson. We were certainly a sight to see. Two young, fair skinned blonde women probably don't show up in their house very often. They were all so bright and warm and offered us drinks and cookies. The children were so eager to get the lesson started. We walked our way through the commandments, with Veronica translating for us. Jessica gave great examples and we asked the children questions as we went along.
I have never lead a devotional for children who showed this kind of enthusiasm before. It was inspiring. What if my time with God everyday looked like that? They were so smart and beautiful. I couldn't stop smiling. It might have been my most favorite moment on the face so far. The joy that God placed in my heart yesterday filled me so full. It's Friday evening and I find myself wanting it to be Thursday again already. I helped out with an after school program today and two of the same children were there. They ran to me when they saw me and hugged me. When we were leaving, they asked me to pray for them. What an amazing feeling! The whole Race, I have known that eastern Europe held something special for me. I think I am just beginning to see what amazing things he has in store!
On Thursday, my ministry in the afternoon was to go with my teammate Jessica to a children's Bible study in one of the gypsy neighborhoods. We were to meet with a woman named Veronica and walk to the house where the Bible study would be held. I really have gotten used to the cold weather. While it doesn't feel warm by any means, I enjoy our walks to ministry. I love seeing all of the buildings covered in snow and icicles. I try to smile at people as they walk by, even though I have been warned that it is not in their nature to smile back. It's still worth a try!
I have to admit that I was a little concerned about what this experience might entail. I was keeping an open mind, but after my experience with the gypsy woman in my kitchen a few days before, I thought at the very least, it would be an adventure. As I walked there, Veronica explained what was expected of us. We would speak to the children about Exodus 20: The Ten Commandments. Oh goodness, do a group of 6-12 year old children really sit still for 2 hours to hear about The Ten Commandments in another language? I wondered how we would explain adultery to them, and what kind of examples we could give them for why it is wrong to steal, when they might see it every day as a part of life. Veronica said that they understand the commandments in theory, but they need to be given examples so that they understand how to apply them to their lives.
As we turned the corner off of the main road, I saw 7 children RUNNING down the street toward us. "Is that them?" I asked Veronica. I was pretty excited. This was definitely a good start. She said of course it was them, and they always run to greet her. She lit up as she saw them and gave each of them a hug. We walked to a home arm in arm with the children and were introduced to the whole family that lived there. One by one more people trickled into the room where we were having the lesson. We were certainly a sight to see. Two young, fair skinned blonde women probably don't show up in their house very often. They were all so bright and warm and offered us drinks and cookies. The children were so eager to get the lesson started. We walked our way through the commandments, with Veronica translating for us. Jessica gave great examples and we asked the children questions as we went along.
I have never lead a devotional for children who showed this kind of enthusiasm before. It was inspiring. What if my time with God everyday looked like that? They were so smart and beautiful. I couldn't stop smiling. It might have been my most favorite moment on the face so far. The joy that God placed in my heart yesterday filled me so full. It's Friday evening and I find myself wanting it to be Thursday again already. I helped out with an after school program today and two of the same children were there. They ran to me when they saw me and hugged me. When we were leaving, they asked me to pray for them. What an amazing feeling! The whole Race, I have known that eastern Europe held something special for me. I think I am just beginning to see what amazing things he has in store!
