I had another one of those moments today, one of those moments that humbles me to tears as I think, “this is why I came….this is why I love.” I left the LCA office at 1:00 to take four new SIMpacters to get food and skirts before they left for their ministry site. It was cloudy and sprinkling and of course the bottom fell out. We were soaked and had just begun walking. A couple hours later, we finished all of out shopping and had only one more stop. Now, I must explain something. In Nairobi there are street children that ask for money every 100 yards or so. However, there are also those children that the parents have put them to work. So… the girls and I had already been approached by several children who were not actually orphaned street children. We were making our last stop when we were approached by a young boy from the streets. I could tell immediately that he was starving and sleeping on top of a trash pile somewhere. My heart went out to him for some reason so I stopped to talk to him and his friends. (This is common, normally street children travel in a small group because they’ve become family.) I found out their names and ages. I don’t ever give money… so I asked my new friend, Mohammad, if they would wait right where they were so I could bring them some bread and milk. He told me YES! YES! And then out of no where threw his arms around me and hugged me. He hugged me twice simply because I was going to buy him some bread and milk! It was the sweetest, saddest moment. I knew that I loved this child and that God was loving them all through my hands that day, but I also realized it was only bread and milk. They were truly hungry. What could I offer that would make their lives better. The bread and milk would be finished soon and they would still be hungry. To tell them of the love of God is needed but will they remember my words when they crawl back onto the top of the trash pit that night? My new friends will probably never remember the Mzungu that stopped that day, but I pray that they never forget the five or ten minutes that someone cared about their lives. I know that that day… the Lord was providing for all of his children. He was just kind enough to let me be a part of it.
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
(John 6:51)
5 comments:
Finally - an update!!! I have been checking back everyday! Sweetie, God is so proud of you and happy that you want to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself. In a world of self-service and narcisism, you are a refreshing and welcomed change of scenery. I am constantly in awe of you and our Father who implanted this desire in your heart. I love you more than sunshine! Only 34 days till I squeeze you!!! Be Joyful! Pam
Hi, Meghan!
As I read your latest update, I was reminded of a story Dr. Flowers mentioned in a sermon: (I'm paraphasing) Mother Teresa was asked during an interview how she could endure the hardships and keep ministering at her age. She replied, "Everytime I look into the face of one of the children, I see Jesus."
Meghan, you saw Jesus in that little boy, and he saw Jesus in you.
I love you and pray for you daily!
"Miss" Nancy
Hi, Meghan,
I, too, am overwhelmed at the thought of a Holy God Who lets us imperfect mortals be a part of His work here on earth. But that is His plan. If we all did our part, and with diligence, the world would be in much better condition. How much did those precious minutes with the orphan boys make up for all the unpleasant, uncomfortable, lonely, scary, uncertain, troublesome times you have experienced in the last few weeks and months???
We look forward to your homecoming, but I sense in your updates that your heart has a new home--and that it is wherever the LORD plants you to do His work. I am glad, however, that the next few years are nearby. You must complete your education in order to be prepared for the work the LORD has for you. In addition to your formal education, you must allow for growth spiritually and emotionally. So in the meantime, you will learn medicine, and patience, and medicine, and more about God, and medicine, and patience, etc., until "the fullness of time", to quote a Book we both know and love.
Olivia leaves tomorrow for Mexico City and will return on July 31. We anticipate a wonderful time of growth in her relationship with the LORD and pray that He will give her clear direction in her life. So please pray for your Hermana Olivia as she is in Mexico.
As I close, please know that I love you and pray for you.
"Miss" Ruth
Meghan, Praise the Lord for what he is doing through you and in you. Your update serves as a reminder to me to let the Lord live through me. To be obedient to Him and to let him love through me. When you gave the food to the children, you fed the Lord.
We love you and are praying for you. Garth
what a sweet story! wow...there are so many opportunities for outreach in nairobi, everday. awesome! i hope you're enjoying your time in nairobi! =)
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