This past week was busy, to say the least! We had a team
here from the States and with them we hosted an English Camp for our students
and a Kids Club for the neighborhood children. This week was encouraging
because it was so very evident that the Lord is beginning to stir in the hearts
of our students. Questions were asked that have never been asked before.
Bridges were built amongst teachers and students. The love of Christ was shared
and made known. I could go on and on about this week, but instead I want to
tell you about one little girl. One girl who touched my heart in ways
unimaginable. We will call her M.
People in Senegal don’t speak English. And we all know I
don’t really speak Wolof. As I’m sure you all can imagine, working with
children can be trying. When we decided
that we were going to launch children’s ministry last week, I was nervous that
we would not be able to minister to these children with whom we have no common
language. I hoped and prayed that God
would find some way to use me anyhow, that we would be able to impact these
children’s lives for the kingdom.
Day one came and we had a time of games, a Bible story, and
crafts. We had translating help for the game and the story, but not for the
craft. Crafts were conveyed through a series of grunts, hand gestures, and
funny faces. And surprisingly, I loved it. As they did their crafts, I walked
around and used what little Wolof I know to encourage them and tell them they
were doing a great job. In comes M – a sassy, energetic, lively little girl
who’s probably 10. As I roamed, little
miss M decided she wanted my attention. So naturally, she began to kiss at me
like you would to call a puppy dog to you. At first, I was appalled. How rude?!
Then, I decided to play along. So I kissed right back. Automatically, our
friendship was sealed with a kiss and we became best pals. Throughout the rest
of the week, M and I communicated through a series of puppy kisses mixed with
funky body language. One day at the end of camp, M came up to me to give me a
hug and said “I love you” IN ENGLISH! It was then that I realized that this
little girl would forever hold a special place in my heart.
Here’s what M taught me – or rather, reminded me: our God is
a God bigger than language. He doesn’t need us to be able to communicate via
words in order to use us. Our God can use grunts, body language, funny faces,
or even puppy dog kisses. I mean, let’s be real…he used Moses to deliver His
people when he couldn’t communicate with them! By doubting that I could be
used, I essentially doubted God. And who am I do to such a thing? God can use
anyone who chooses. He can use us even
if we can’t communicate, or even though we’re broken and sinful, or even if we
don’t feel qualified, or even if we’re nervous or afraid. Our Heavenly Father is a God who is not bound
by circumstance or situation. And because of that, at least 40 Senegalese
children have learned what the love of Christ feels like and I met a sweet
little girl who will be my forever friend.
