In all the countries where I have had the privilege to visit, some of the greatest welcomes I have ever received were from the children. Their expressions of love are so honest and pure. Their smiles can light up the darkness. While most of our activities are with the adults, we must never overlook the children. The world in which we live today is so much more hostile to the Truth of God’s Word than when I was a child. A lot of it was there back then, I just did not know about it. Every day our news reveals the horrors which children face. It tears on the heart to learn what is happening to children the world over. As we seek to serve others in areas of the earth who are not as fortunate as many of us, we must never overlook our responsibility of ministry to the children.
I remember……
One young girl, that did not get much expression of love at home, who ran up to a lady of our Mission Team, who had shown love to this child, and she literally jumped up into this lady’s arms. This child had such a big smile on her face. This woman and child speak different languages.
Five young boys who came up to a pastor on the street and gave him a big hug. He was loving these boys away from a life of hopelessness. One of the boys said, “We have quit sniffing glue. Thanks pastor!”
One location where a child went everywhere I went and ended up in my arms many times. I never got tired of the child’s presence. This child and I have different skin color.
One location where I prayed with a boy who that day had been put out of his home. The family did not have the funds to take care of him. He became just another “street kid.”
A young boy who hung around me as much as possible as he wanted to practice speaking English. After I left his country we continued to correspond by mail.
Another location where the competition to continue going to school is so difficult that they miss what it means to be a “child.”
A home in my country where a child was wanting attention and to keep the child from making a fuss the father gave the child a can of beer to drink. This child was three years old.
Children will welcome us with love in what ever language they speak. And since the vast majority can’t come to us, we must go to them with the Love and Word of God. It is their only hope. Are we, the Band of Brethren, willing? A real tough question isn’t it?
