It never fails to amaze me the cultural things we take for granted, that when described to someone from another culture are greeted with looks of total confusion and disbelief. "Tug-of-war" seems to be one such phenomenon. I have to admit I enjoy playing with the kids, specially the teenagers. I think maybe I relate with them well because I haven't grown much past that age. One of the games we had at our disposal ... was a great tug-of war rope.
Hidden within vast quantity of luggage we brought with us to Dominican Republic was an old fashioned manila rope. You know the kind that feels like sand paper in the hands. About 75 feet long and at least 3/4 inch thick, it makes the perfect tug-of-war rope. Four of us, one who speaks Spanish, plus an interpreter attempted to explain the game we had in mind. Try as we might, words just weren't working. We finally just stretched the rope out, started adding people to both sides, and showed by example what we had in mind. That worked. The war was on.
One of many things I love about being on a mission trip with Fifty5five is meeting daily, before breakfast, and sharing a devotional. This trip, we are working our way through the book of 1 John. Chapter 1, verse 7 says; But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
Walk in the light as he is in the light ... Jesus is our example. All the words of the old testament were not enough for me to truly understand. I needed an example. Jesus! And, I thank him for allowing me to participate in sharing His example with others.
Today, near the end of the teacher training, a young man "got his feet washed". I'm not sure what he thought was about to happen to him as he was lead to the front of the group, however, he was a bit hesitant. The lesson in the foot washing example? To me, it is that first I need to be washed clean by Jesus, then I need to become the servant that Jesus showed me how to be. Thank you Jesus. I'm a slow learner, keep those examples coming.
Three days of teacher training lessons and examples came to a close today. We had the privilege of graduating 15 teachers. Each with different personalities, skills, and levels of confidence. However, they all have one thing in common. A love for Christ and a willingness to be his example ... shining his light to the world.
Thank you for the blessing of your prayers!
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” As 2 Cor 3:18 tells us, “The Lord - who is spirit - makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” You are definitely shining His light. Keep shining 🌞