So I was
talking to this guy who runs an orphanage I’m going to visit soon the other
day, and...well, let’s just say I’ve been somewhat a little frustrated by
financial and physical limitations since I’ve been here. Anyways, he was telling me that the most
anyone makes working at this children’s home is 1/3 what I make as a teacher,
and that some of his employees make $20 a month. Considering I’d be making 10 times what I
make here in the US, it was a good reminder that I’m not here for the money,
and that I’m here to work with orphans.
So, two days later, I
wasn’t really feeling it, but I was cast as Jesus in one of those usually kinda
cheesy and not very well-thought out mime plays. And we didn’t prepare well at all, I wanted
to say “I’m not doing this, because we’re going to make a joke of God.” But I didn’t.
And somebody was praying, because it went WAY better than it had in any
of our practices, and a number of people said they’d been moved to tears. I tried my best to convey that God was with
us and deeply desiring to be with us, even when we’re turning our back on him. It was really moving to be used in spite of
ourselves.
The next week, I found out someone I know ran away from home, to a place where
she’s faced abuse and just a very bad situation. It was really upsetting at first, but I only
found out about it after she came out and basically said “wow, God, I’m not
running from you anymore.” Anyways, I
shared that story, as well as the prodigal with my 10th class, and
it was the first time I’d seen them fully engaged. The hardest part for me, was realizing that
these stories are a picture of me: I’m
the one who’s running back to the things that kill me, away from a God that
loves me deeply.
Thus convicted, I said, I’m gonna pay my tithe.
I did, and it was well, most of my money at the time. I was thinking “yup, it’s gonna be rice come
early November.” I came home and
checked my e-mail, just because I hadn’t in a while. And there was a large check in my inbox.
So far, God has answered almost all my prayers since I’ve been here. Not right when I asked, but still...anyway, I
saw that message about the check, and I immediately just picked up my guitar
and played this song:
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