Matthew 19:14 “but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven’.”
One of my first ministry opportunitis here in Vietnam was to spend the morning at an orphanage with my team and the Gracers. We went with a local ministry who goes to this orphanage once a month with a group of Vietnamese students to bring love to the children. The orphanage is for kids ranging in ages up to around 12, and even consists of kids who are deaf, blind, or who have down’s syndrome. Due to the socialist government of Vietnam, and the restrictions on Christianity, we were not allowed to openly share the gospel. Since we couldn’t vocalize the truth and love of Jesus, we had to show it through our actions.
The moment we stepped off of our bus we could hear the laughter and shrieks of the kids. This was a place full of life. After removing our shoes (a cultural pratice we have to do everywhere), we were completely bombarded by tons of children who just wanted love. We spent our time there playing games, coloring, being silly, and breaking out into random dance parties ever so often in which the kids would start break dancing! It was hilarious and beautiful and I loved our time there.
Another ministry opportunity I have been blessed to be apart of was visiting a home for abandoned children who have cerebral palsy. The children range in ages starting with newborns. My first hour at this place was spent with a little boy who just wanted personal attention. I was literally holding him for an entire hour and he would not let go. At one point I even tried to throw him in the air (something most kids love), and he just wrapped his arms around my neck so tightly. Also, every time I tried to adjust him on my hip his legs would grip around me so he wouldnt budge. It was crazy to me how badly he just wanted to be held; and I was more than willing to do it. I was a little worried about what would happen when we had to leave, but the Lord was in control there and after about an hour of me holding him he decided he wanted to go and play. All he needed was that little but of personal attention and he was good. It was awesome because then the Lord opened up another chance for me to be used by Him.
There was a boy around 8 years old who was brought into the room to do his daily exercises. Since his legs are so tiny and muscles so weak, he is placed standing on a board with his legs strapped so he cannot move. It is very painful but something that needs to be done. When he was first placed on the board he was screaming in pain. My heart just broke for him and I went over and started rubbing his back. All of the sudden he stopped screaming and put his head down. I continued rubbing his back and every time he would lift his head to scream I would start praying over him. And every time I prayed he would put his head back down. He made it through the entire 30 minutes of standing there without screaming once! It was incredible and completely the work of the Lord.
All of the children we have worked with this week need to feel the love of the Lord so badly. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to come here and be the hands of Jesus to them. To love them and spend time with them is amazing and I am so excited for more chances to reach out to these children.
(and dont worry…pictures will hopefully come soon!)
