Our first week of ministry has gone by! It’s been nothing like I was expecting. But then again….. I didn’t know what to expect exactly! This week we were submerged into what will be our focus for the next three months; preventing children and woman from being trafficked. It’s not been easy! There are two different preschools Rahab’s Rope has partnered with to help improve the program and the schooling. Then, there is a program Rahab’s Rope has started that they do every morning and afternoon for the young woman in the community. Here, the women are being taught how to sew, knit, weave and other crafty talents. This helps bring in an income for their family. And also brings them hope in knowing that there are other forms of providing for their family rather than what the world has to offer or the ways they have only ever known.
On our first day of ministry, I was placed at one of the preschools. I came willing to do anything asked of me, but I had no idea I would be teaching at a preschool almost every morning! I entered a room with my teammate to see a room full of about 25 three and four year olds! I was excited to get started, but had no idea that a few seconds later, we were going to be teaching them….. not helping…. but teaching! This is where frustration began to settle in only but for a second! First of all I had no idea what to do with a group of children that couldn’t sit still or stand still for more than five second. Secondly, I didn’t know where to even begin. I’ve never even taught at a preschool before! Thirdly, there were no rules, so the children were what seemed out of control at times! And fourthly, a language barer not only between us and the students, but also between us and the teachers, made it very difficult to teach them anything successfully.
After standing there for a few minutes dumbly, by the grace of God we managed to fumble up and begin teaching and reviewing with them numbers and letters to the best of our ability. The first day was a struggle. But as the week progressed and we sought the Lord on ways to creatively minister and teach the children, God enabled us every day with what we needed. And there was such a great joy in doing whatever we’re told. Even in the midst of the craziness of the children, the smells of the squatty potty in the next room (a hole in the ground which is the toilet here in India) the dirtiness I feel around me, I have such a joy in serving the Lord. I find such a pleasure in being there and holding the children and teaching them. There is a delight and gladness in everything the Lord has me to do!
I may not be working at this particular preschool for the entire three months, but wherever the Lord has me, I’m going to be willing. He already has been stretching me in many ways and teaching me how to rely on Him and be glad in every situation. At times, it may be a struggle and a fight to serve, but I am committed to the Lord and going to be obedient. And not only am I going to just serve him, but every morning, I’m going to wake up rejoicing and be glad for this is the day the Lord has made! He says, rejoice in Lord always again He says REJOICE!!! (Philippians 4:4) When my flesh is screaming at me telling me I can’t teach and minister effectively, I can stand strong and rejoice knowing that….. for that very reason…. lives are going to be changed and I am going to be glad in all circumstances!
