“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” John 21:15-16
My family was over for lunch on Independence Day and after we ate my youngest grandchild Cara was being passed from lap to lap while my other two, Miles and Audrey were building with Lego’s and then demolishing their creation with squeals of delight. It is summertime and school here and in Haiti are taking a break to reload and prepare for the next school year. These four boys from Bon Berger in Caredeux have little in common with the children in the U.S. except they are happy and with Jesus. While my family was choosing what they liked and didn’t like during lunch these four didn’t have any choices. These four have probably never seem a Lego, or gone swimming, ridden a bicycle or played an inning of T-Ball; but still they are just as happy and possibly more happy with what little they have to entertain themselves with this summer. Miles’ dad probably has hopes that one day his son will be a major league star and the fathers of these four pray that one day their sons will have a better job than they now have as they will have learned to read and write. And Jesus will be with each of them, these four and your children and mine every day loving us just as we are; night and day, in school and out we are in His tender care. I am closing today with the words from the hymn ‘I Am Jesus; Little Lamb’ that were written by Henrietta L. von Hayn in 1778.
“I am Jesus' little lamb, ever glad at heart I am; for my Shepherd gently guides me, knows my need, and well provides me, loves me every day the same, even calls me by my name. Day by day, at home, away, Jesus is my Staff and Stay. When I hunger, Jesus feeds me, into pleasant pastures leads me; when I thirst, He bids me go where the quiet waters flow. Who so happy as I am, even now the Shepherd's lamb? And when my short life is ended, by His angel host attended, He shall fold me to His breast, there within His arms to rest.”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay