Sing, sing, sing

The kids were waiting for us when we arrived. I guess it's because we were bringing the only food they would have that day. As I scanned the room I saw open sores and swollen stomachs. When the women that run the ministry started teaching the Bible story, all of the children sat and listened quietly. I wondered how these kids even had the energy to pay attention. Next, they reviewed all of their memory verses, which was shocking because they had learned at least a dozen verses by heart.

Afterwards they sang. But it was different then the way most kids sing. No one held back. Whether or not those children understood every word didn't matter. As I watched, I thought to myself, "God, are hearing this right now? I sure hope so because it's beautiful!" When it was time to eat there was a mad rush to get the largest dish. Then the children lined up from shortest to tallest, and the little ones were served first. As one child walked by I looked into his bowl. There was only rice and what looked like canned vegetables. That kid didn't care one bit. He looked up at me and just smiled.

On the ride back I went though my photos. As I starred at each precious face it occurred to me that this is how so many people live. But not me. I turned off my expensive camera, looked down at the nice clothes I was wearing, and realized that I was a hungry. Then I remembered that I had Kashi granola bar in my backpack. And I thought, "God, are you seeing this right now? I sure hope so because it's terrible."

A passage in Revelation, chapter seven, is what compelled me to do foreign missions. In verse nine there is a picture of a great multitude from every nation gathered around the throne and before the Lamb. Until someone from every nation, tribe, people, and language has heard and accepted the gospel, the great commission is not finished. And until the great commission is finished, children will be hungry. But Revelation 7:16 promises, "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore…For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water."

Amen.