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| Kids getting out of the rain |
Last week we decided to talk about Martin Luther King Jr. At one point we described the idea of nonviolence, turning the other cheek, not hitting back, loving your enemies. We got mixed reactions from our island guests. A few islanders told us this was not a smart way because then you just keep getting hit. A few acknowledged that maybe nonviolence could work, but they’d never be able to do it. They’d never be able to stop themselves from hitting back. Others said things like, “that is the best way.” One said, “It is the most beautiful way, but it is very difficult.”
“Sometimes the mean boys are mean to me.” Peter (3.5 years old) was telling us about school the day after English club. We asked what the teachers did when boys are mean at school. He told us that the teachers tell him to hit them back. “Peter, do you hit them?” Peter nodded. “Peter, we never hit, even if they hit you or the teacher tells you to, we never hit.” We tried to explain to our little boy that although usually he should obey his teacher, we had to obey God first. So if his teacher tells him to do something wrong, then we still shouldn’t do it.
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| Kids enjoying the visit of our old leaders' kids |
The islanders in our English club acknowledged that someone could not turn the other cheek without “being religious” (their words). They recognized that our human nature is to seek revenge and pay out our own form of justice. They see it played out on the islands every day, but hopefully they see also that there is another way. We may not be able to resist revenge in our power but we can rest and trust in one who does have that power.
PRAYERS ANSWERED
Our friend is out of prison. We are greatly encouraged by his attitude, he now wants to work to improve the situation at the prison. Pray for him as he seeks to appeal the unjust fine he is being asked to pay. Our old friends and team leaders are currently visiting us with two of their boys. Our kids are having a great time playing and it is great to have some experienced leaders to talk to and discuss things with.
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Please keep praying for Megan’s back- perseverance in prayer! Grace has a rash on her arms and legs, pray that it would go away and/or that we would figure out what is causing it. This week the team goes through a language evaluation to see how they are doing in their local language learning-- pray that it would be an encouraging and challenging time without being discouraging or stressful. Pray that we would all grow in our ability to communicate truth with islanders.
