Many times, ministering the love of Jesus to children around the world requires more faith and trust in Him than other types of ministries. And, most of the time, this type of ministry looks completely different that other types of ministry. Many times, we think of ‘ministry’ as preaching, praying, talking, and doing ‘religious things’. But… with kids (and many other things)… none of this applies! The Lord has taught me that I am a carrier of His love. Many times… especially with children, we don’t have the opportunity to talk about Him. He has showed me that love crosses all cultural and language barriers. Love may look like playing, tickling, laughing, running, and hand holding. And, when I love… really love with His Love, it’s enough. I don’t have to preach to or pray with every person I meet. And, with kids, this is completely unrealistic. But, I can love them with everything inside of me. I can run till I’m out of breath, carry kids till my arms hurt, allow every one of my personal space boundaries to be crossed, and roll around in the dirt with kids until they understand that they are loved by God AND loved by me. I never have to say a word, but if, when I go, they understand that they are important to God and precious to my heart, I have succeeded and He has been glorified.
I remember returning from Swaziland last year completely devastated. I was questioning whether my going there was even worth it. I spent everyday there with the same group of kids who got really attached to me and I got really attached to them. And, when I left, I was overwhelmingly aware of the fact that many of these children had been abandoned by everyone in their lives. Swaziland is a polygamous society, so many of these precious ones had been orphaned 4 or 5 times by losing a dad and several moms. And I felt like I was doing the same thing. Leaving! Just like everyone else had done! I didn’t go to Swaziland to get some feel good badge about ‘taking care of widows and orphans’ and I was concerned that my going did those precious kids who I loved with my whole heart more damage than good. For weeks, I was a wreck… until He spoke.
He said: I know your struggle and I see your pain, but the answer is YES. It’s better for them that you went. You came as Me and I didn’t abandon them when you left. They encountered the reality and simplicity of My life and cannot live the same way anymore. You cannot encounter My love and remain unchanged. They aren’t hopeless or alone anymore. You’ve not left them in the same condition they were in before. Love never fails.
So, it requires complete trust and faith in the Lord that He is who He says He is and that He loves them more than I ever could. And yes… it’s worth it! So, I encourage you to LOVE. Wholly! Completely! And Trust that He is a Good Father.
