The highlight of yesterday was this: I got to walk five blocks to church holding the hands of my three little neighbors!
Whenever I leave my house, I have about four or five kids waiting around my gate, or if not- quick to run over and jump into my arms as soon as one of them spots me and yells my name. We have had some fun times together in the past few months; reading books, playing games, coloring, and even baking cookies. Each time I leave, they want to know where I am going (a popular question amongst any Cambodian!) It struck me last week that when I told them I was going to church, I could actually take them with me. There is a really large Khmer church in my neighborhood, and it just so happens to have a Sunday school program and all. When I inquired with some of the church staff if I could bring my neighbors, they said 'of course' and went on to tell me that each weekend they average about 300+ kids! wow!
So when I came home last week, I mentioned to them that if they asked their parents they could come with me next week if they wanted. I wasn't even sure if they would want to, but I had a good guess. For the last week, they have been reminding me, "don't forget about Sunday..."
When I got home Saturday night, they asked again about the morning. They assured me they asked their grandma, and so I asked if I could meet her to ask, too. Sure enough, she walked over and met me with a smile, and said it was no problem for them to go with me. (yeah, Cambodia is different in this way; we had indeed just met for the first time!)
Before we said goodnight, the oldest girl asked me, "do they speak English there? because I don't understand English.... Are the other kids there Khmer?" I was so happy to be able to assure her that the other kids there were Cambodians, too... and no, they won't speak in English, don't worry....
When I came downstairs Sunday morning, the kids squealed as they saw me. "We're going to church today!" they were singing and chanting. We walked to church, I checked them in at Sunday school, and promised them I would be back a few hours later to pick them up. Although they are not a bit shy, they definitely were a bit quieter, as they looked around the new room. When I left them to attend the service downstairs, I felt like a mom on my child's first day of kindergarden; worrying if they would have a good time, if anyone would talk to them, if they would ever want to go back. I just really wanted them to have a good experience and have fun.
It was such a joy for me to drop them off at a program completely planned and put on by other Cambodians. For kids who have never heard about Jesus, looking around and seeing others just like them is quite a bit different than hearing about Jesus from someone from a different country and culture. This church is a glimpse for me of what is to come in this country, young people leading one another to New Life in Jesus-- and forward into the next generation! Yay!
The kids did indeed have a great time-- and are already asking about next week! One of the other parents has already asked if his son can come too. Yes. Yes. Yes!
Please join me in prayer for these kids and their families. I completely believe God can do mighty things in and through these three siblings. May we not underestimate the power of His word in the hearts of children.
'But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”' Matthew 19:14
