“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NASB)
Where did you go to school? Was it a large school; did it have desks, blackboards, projectors, a furnace or air conditioner, a solid concrete or wood floor, a bathroom, electricity, a kitchen or running water? I started school in 1955 and I would have to check each of the above qualities except the air conditioner with a “yes”. Not to mention locking doors, windows with glass, a gymnasium, a music room, a separate room for each class and I was blessed to have attended a Lutheran grade school so we also learned about Jesus. That was in 1955 and my old school has seen many upgrades in the past 64 years.
The attached photo of the school at Bois Marchand was taken in March of 2010 when I visited Haiti. These children could not have said ‘wi’ to many of my questions regarding their school; they have a kitchen which a pot setting over a pile of coals outside and they also learn about Jesus; that is about it. Their desks also double as church pews on Sunday and their school is used as a church. When you look at their school, does the word success cross your mind? I don’t know what their GPA average is or what electives they are taking or how well their basketball team is doing in the Districts. They are not familiar with any of these things. I am sure that their parents are concerned that they do get good grades and will have a brighter future than they had.
When I interviewed fifteen of these boys and girls and I recognized the unique way God created each of these children and is preparing them to share the love of Jesus at every turn along their journey. To me, at this point in my life that is what is really more important than the report cards, elective classes and trophy cases full of sports medals.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” and that causes me to consider the words, “… in the way he should go.” Is our world placing more importance on training our kids that the “way he should go” is to chase worldly achievement or to chase God? Whatever they learn to chase as a child, they will chase as adults; you and I both know that to be true.
Their school may not look like much but these children are so very special to Him and to His work in Haiti. When they give thanks for their Trinity/HOPE meal each day, they are thanking our Triune God for you, for helping to make their lives so special…for Him. Thank you for sharing your excess with these who have nothing to spare. God be with you.
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