Some of the kids who joined us on stage during the church service. (There were more kids to the left and right of this picture.)
Children crowd around the church windows. Yesterday, we were able to enjoy two worship services at two different local churches. One of the church leaders that we taught last week is the pastor of both. One is located inside a Congolese Refugee Camp, and one is located outside of the camp. Because there have been frequent wars in the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent years, many Congolese are not safe. They have fled the DRC and now live in various refugee camps, one of which is the Nyabiheke Refugee Camp in the Eastern Province of Rwanda; this is where we will be teaching the next couple days. There are more than 15,000 refugees in the Nyabiheke Refugee Camp. The majority of them have little hope of living outside the refugee camp. They receive some international assistance, but there are little resources inside of the camp.
One of my favorite parts of yesterday was interacting with the many children at the churches. When we arrived at the first church, children swarmed the car and then a group of them walked with us up to the church building. As we were listening to the worship, I noticed that kids were crowded around the church doors and windows, but some of the adults were telling them to leave; there were no seats left for the children to sit, and they give priority to the adults. I asked Theophile about this, as I was bothered that these children were being sent away from the church. Jesus’ words were playing over and over in my head; “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). That children were being hindered from coming into the church seemed so wrong. As there were only five of us (Theophile, Frank, Ben, Denys, and I) sitting on a stage in front of the congregation, there was plenty of room for more people. Theophile had me start bringing the children, who were standing outside the church, up onto the stage. We ended up bringing almost fifty kids into the service by having them sit on stage with us. Ben and I even ended up with a couple children on our laps. What precious and beautiful children who were able to receive a glimpse of God’s truth and love as they listened to the worship and heard Frank preach.
One of my favorite parts of yesterday was interacting with the many children at the churches. When we arrived at the first church, children swarmed the car and then a group of them walked with us up to the church building. As we were listening to the worship, I noticed that kids were crowded around the church doors and windows, but some of the adults were telling them to leave; there were no seats left for the children to sit, and they give priority to the adults. I asked Theophile about this, as I was bothered that these children were being sent away from the church. Jesus’ words were playing over and over in my head; “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). That children were being hindered from coming into the church seemed so wrong. As there were only five of us (Theophile, Frank, Ben, Denys, and I) sitting on a stage in front of the congregation, there was plenty of room for more people. Theophile had me start bringing the children, who were standing outside the church, up onto the stage. We ended up bringing almost fifty kids into the service by having them sit on stage with us. Ben and I even ended up with a couple children on our laps. What precious and beautiful children who were able to receive a glimpse of God’s truth and love as they listened to the worship and heard Frank preach.
My mom made me promise before I left that I wouldn’t adopt any children while I was over here. That was probably a good promise to make, because if it were up to me, I’d bring fifty home with me. Their smiles bring so much joy to my heart. I am looking forward to playing soccer with these children tonight.
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me” (Mark 9:37).
-Alison
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me” (Mark 9:37).
-Alison
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