How can it be that the people with so little can have the most joy? How is it that the people who have been knocked down by life’s circumstances are the ones that love, accept and invite you in with the most hospitality and openness?
It was Saturday afternoon, we had only been in Phnom Penh since Thursday evening and we were going to do train track ministry for the first time. We left our apartment and walked along the busy street, crossing 4 lanes of traffic, dodging motos, cars, trucks and buses. The vehicles drove around us and my senses took in every colour and motion to keep myself safe. We walked a little way, following Janice, not actually knowing what to expect. All I knew was that we would spend time with the children who live with their families at the train tracks, presenting a Bible story, making a craft and playing with them. I wasn’t prepared to have my heart stolen from me as I walked upon the scene; the children all sitting cross-legged on a green straw mat, waiting patiently with the two Cambodian ladies who would teach the lesson. As I walked to meet them, with train tracks on my right and shacks on my left, their bright faces turned towards us and their toothy smiles could light up the night. With their little accents they joyfully said hello.
We sat down with them to listen as the Bible story was presented. They listened so well and interacted as they taught some English. It was easy to see that they were eager to learn and were excited that we were there.
As I used my fingers to spread the liquid glue on their craft it was easy to see the beauty that God had put in the moment. God was in each interaction, in the gluing of every star, in the smile on every face, in the tying of every elastic band. God was allowing me to minister in the way I love the most; loving all the children who have so little.
But one little munchkin stole my heart. She was so quiet during the time we were there. I did not see her say any words to any of the other children. As she shied away from the big group I went up to her. She came towards me and I gently took her in my arms. As she so easily snuggled with me, we played with her binocular craft. We took turns looking through them. She just wanted to quietly be loved and I very willingly do so. As she sat in my lap on the train tracks I saw God all around me. I saw Jesus in her sweet smile, I saw Jesus in the way Eva captured beautiful moments with her camera, I saw Him in my teammates as they played with the children, I saw Him in the parents that sat and watched as we loved on their children, I saw Jesus in the ladies as they worked. I saw Jesus in every moment.
My heart is stolen by these children. I long to be back at the train tracks and loving on them. I long to show them more of Gods love and who He is.
Mark 10:13-16
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
Photo Credit: Eva Cranford (evacranford.theworldrace.org, evacranford.smugmug.com, evacranford.com)
