Each and every day, no matter what stage of life we are in, we all are growing. Maybe in size. Health. Muscle. Knowledge. Spirituality. Personally. Maturity. Relationally. None of these areas, or any growing, can come without faith. Faith that the long hours at the gym will build strength and take off pounds. Faith that the all-nighters over an open text book will get you closer to that dream job. Faith that the medicine or treatment will do what it says it will. Faith that the other person in the relationship, be it a family member, friend, or co-worker, also wants to deepen their relationship with you. Faith that the more you spend in prayer, in scripture, in giving of yourself, the bigger your heart will be for the church and the people it hopes to reach.
Last year, we received a baby, only 2 days old, who was abandoned at birth. This past week, he got to celebrate his first birthday. He’s quickly growing in size and ability, and even quicker growing in faith with the friendships in his house, but also in the faith of his caretakers, that they will provide the love, care and attention he needs to thrive and grow into the man God created him to be.
This afternoon, while walking down the hill, I saw one of the newer boys calling me over for something he wanted me to see. I look to the roof of the house in my right, and hear “He’s alive” before noticing the bird sitting up there with a towel and a piece of paper. The bird looked in pretty rough shape, maybe with a broken leg and/or wing, could barely keep his eyes open, but seemed content in the care of the boys, not making a peep nor fighting back. I got the full story from them excited to share it with me. They rescued that bird after he fell out of the tree, placed him on the roof in safety, and told me that his mom and dad will come back to get him. If that’s not faith, I don’t know what is!
While I was away for the past two weeks, carpentry classes were started up for the teen boys and girls. They are hoping to install skills into these teenagers as they will outgrow the orphanage in two, three, four years, or maybe even this year. As soon as I got back I heard testimony after testimony of the skills being taught and how the teens, once afraid and ashamed of being incapable, creating new wood works of their own and excitedly asking when the next class will be. Faith in their abilities, the materials provided and the instructions followed has led to leaps and bounds of growth within their young lives and perspectives of themselves.
One of the boys had a rash that covered various places across his body. He’s done blood tests, has been faithful to put on lotion, stayed out of the sun, has done a strict food diet, and probably a few other things I’m not aware of to try to get a handle on the outbreaks. Doctors weren’t sure if it was an allergy to the sun, a skin disease, a food allergy, or something else. His cheeks were bright pink and were almost scabbed over when I left for the states mid May. I saw him today, and it looked like he was brand new. Smooth skin, no itching, and he was as happy as could be! Through prayer, hard work, close attention and faith, he has grown into a picture of success.
When I arrived back I noticed recycled bottles hanging from the bars on the windows with a piece of ribbon. I could tell from far away they were filled with something. Dirt. And up from the dirt was a hint of green. The kids are learning with hard work, growth will happen. They have faith that if they provide the seed with enough water, sunlight, and soil, something great will grow. Here’s to continuing to grow, only with faith in ourselves, the results, and the journey there!
(har)Perseverance on a mission 