Mexico City
April 1, 2010
Dear Friends,
The children were singing as I walked into the sanctuary. Moises, the kid who has decided to start a children’s ministry in his church may have been showing off for me but the sound was sweet and the intensity of the singing left no doubt that it was the real deal. So why does an 18-year-old suddenly decide to gather children from his church and teach them the Bible and get them singing and worshiping? We can’t explain it. No one asked him to do it, no one pays him to do it. It won’t lead to a paid position in his church...there are none.
Ramona and I, along with most missionaries, work in contexts where ministry is in the hands of poor and humble volunteer workers. They don’t get paid, they just do the ministry...they just do what Jesus asks them to do. We use phrases like Leadership Development that make us sound like we have a fine misiology and a sophisticated strategy. The truth is that every day we are on our knees asking God to raise up people like Moises; men and women moved by the Spirit and filled with love for the kingdom. Without them, nothing happens. Our job is to support them: to pray for them, to be an example to them, to train them and to encourage them.
I gave Moises a basketball, some crayons and some clay. I talked to him about how his ministry would be more fun for him and the kids if it included a variety of experiences including art and recreation. He asked me to tell a Bible story. I’ve been thinking about Gideon lately so I told the story of the young guy who told God he was too poor and too small to help his people. God’s reply: “I will be with you...” (Judges 6). The children and Moises listened intently. They especially liked me lying down on the floor to lap up water like a dog. Moises is Gideon. God is with him.
You support us with your prayers and your treasure and we support Moises and Irma and Saul and Pablo and Maria and Juanita and Pedro and Bonifacio. But they are the ones who make it happen...we just get to help a little and we get to watch. Thank you.
Ramona & Chuck
