People may think that kids of missionaries don’t contribute to God’s call with their families, but that the calling is only for the parents. That is not what I saw at CAG (Christian Academy of Guatemala). Our first missions project, as the sixth-grade class, turned out to be a great learning experience for all of us. After we shared our perspectives of our time with the family in La Rosa, I asked the kids to write in their journals. I prayed that the project would have a life-changing effect upon them, and what I read in the journals indicated that my prayers were answered. I’ve copied below several of their written comments.
“It made me think about how fortunate I am to have everything I need. It was a wonderful experience. I will never forget it.”
“I felt so sorry for them because they were so poor, but I also felt ashamed because I realized that I really was spoiled, and I still want more when they have nothing.”
“We had the chance to help others and witness about Christ to them.”
“My greatest experience was seeing how grateful and happy the people were when we gave them the food.”
“I saw the ladies’ faces light up because of all the food they needed.”
“I am willing to help them as much as I can. I would give all that I have to make them happy.”
“I want to get them on fire for the Lord.”
“I almost started to cry when I looked into the girls’ faces and saw their joy. I did not think anybody could have joy in that place.”
“I feel God is telling me to help them.”
“It made me feel so rich and thankful.”
Deeply touched by this experience, it made all of us aware that we wanted to share the love of the Lord to the hurting and the needy. This wasn’t a happily ever after time that ended the struggles of the MKs (missionary children). It did, however, give them a missionary perspective—the main reason their families were in Guatemala. They had participated in the missionary experience and wanted more. We continued to help the La Rosa family as a class, and with other individuals who became involved with our project. Someone provided a water drain system to catch rain water into a fifty-gallon barrel for their private use. Later, another donation provided a faucet that tapped into the town water system. A small block room with a concrete floor was built for added protection and comfort for the six occupants. Others donated money for the land, that secured them their home and peace in their hearts, knowing they wouldn’t be homeless again.
This pre-teen class shined like the sun in their ministry with our foster family and in other ministries through out the school year. Eric Johnson from Bethel Assembly in Redding, California once said, “Ministry is not what you do but who you are.” We were all in this process of finding out who we were. These third-culture kids tapped into their hearts and realized they were doing the same things Jesus did when He walked this earth: helping others. They could make a positive difference in the lives of others. I’ve learned that any of us can make a difference where ever we are if we keep our eyes open to the people and needs around us.