What do you want to do when you grow up?
I was asked that question over and over again as a child. Most of us were. If you grew up in the US your answers probably ranged from supermodel to astronaut to doctor to teacher. Basically anything your mind could dream up. I always said with conviction “I will be a Radio City Rockette.”
Most Americans, even children, know that any and every opportunity is right at their fingertips. If we work hard enough, we can achieve anything.
But for a lot of the people that have come to be my friends in the last week, this is not true. They can study all they want but they will probably never be afforded the luxury of seeing their dreams come to fruition.
Team Ari’s first day of ministry was visiting classes at Destiny School in the village of Matero here in Lusaka. While we were there I was assigned to the grade 9 class, the oldest students.
I took a seat next to Alex, whom I had met during the break before classes. He is reserved and humble, I observed how he sat silently, with great respect and attentiveness to all that their teacher was saying. The next day I took a seat beside him again except this time we were in a big field for Physical Education Class and he was taking a break from Futbol.
I asked him questions about his life, his family, his studies. He told me he is one of 10 siblings. Both his parents are out of work. His uncle supports his school fees. Then I asked him the question that in my mind seemed normal to ask next, “what do you want to do when you grow up?” And I saw it. The same look I have seen in a lot of eyes here.
Despair.
And thank God I had on sunglasses because I couldn’t stop the tears that welled up in my eyes.
He said with a sigh, “I don’t really know.” But I pressed him. Because one thing I have learned, is that even in despair, our heart still dreams.
“A doctor,” he said.
And then there’s Angel.
Fourteen years old, both his parents passed away when he was a small child and he is now being raised by a grandmother, Vinis. He is the smallest in his class but I dare say his light shines the brightest. He sits on the front row and is eager to answer questions posed to the class or help any of his classmates struggling with an assignment or concept. When he smiles it takes up his whole face…a beam of sunlight.
He was constantly glancing over his shoulder back at me to make sure I noticed when he got an answer right. He waited for Alex to get up then he slipped in to the seat beside me. He asked me about America, my family and what I enjoyed. I told him I love Jesus, dancing, coffee and sunshine.
Then I asked him the question. The “when you grow up” question.
His response blew me away.
“I don’t need to know that. God knows. Whatever He tells me to do I will do. If He calls me to be a pastor I will be a pastor. Who am I to argue with The Lord?”
He is such a little man of God. I can look at him and see a future that is bright and full of promise. But I wonder, does he know? Will it happen? Will he begin to lose hope like so many people here? He is so sincere, so kind and so special.
As I sit and hear stories, making new friends like these two fellas, my mind starts to race with a million questions. How can I help them? How can I help make their dreams a reality? Can I set up a trust at a bank here they can access when they turn 18? I think of all the people I know who will die with more money than they know what to do with…yet these guys, these children of God, have to shut down their dreams because “it’s too hard in Zambia” and because they will never have the resources to acquire an education. I wonder about Alex. His uncle is supporting his education (for now) but what about his other 9 siblings? Do they eat? How do their parents provide?
I know that God can and will provide all they ever need. But I also think we (the western church) are a vessel for his provision.
I heard a quote recently:
“Knowledge equals responsibility.”
Now I know them.
Now I love them.
And now, I feel responsible.
I can’t unlearn their smiles or the far distant glimmer of hope in their eyes when pushed to dream about the future.
I can’t forget the way Angel was searching for me in the crowd the next day we went to school.
I can’t unlearn them. And I don’t want to.
But now I have to do something to help them. My prayers are powerful and I know we have the promise of heaven…but I want God to use me now. Right now.
Right now YOU have the means to make their life better.
So I ask you, what are WE going to do about this?
How are we going to help these men that I believe God wants to bring revival to Zambia through so desperately?
And that’s actually not a rhetorical question. I want to help them but I don’t even know where to begin. Do I start a non-profit? What does that even mean? If anyone has insight, wisdom, any ideas on how we can help these children in a practical way…please email me.
We can do something.
And now, you are no longer ignorant of their situation. This is not an infomercial and these are not statistics. These are beautiful boys whom God loves so much and has placed upon my heart to love also.
Now that you’ve read this…you are responsible too.
I leave you with this… What are we going to do?
“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me…with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” -Matthew 19
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -Matthew 6:19-21
