Jesus Loves the Little Children

As I share this post, I hope and pray that only God will be glorified. I am but a dust, but I pray that my life would continue to be used as God's humble vessel in this temporary world. I share this because my heart is simply overjoyed and I hope in some way I could inspire someone else to be a ripple of God's joy and blessing to others.

I knew that I would take part in the AMEN medical mission as a volunteer physician when I joined this mission trip but I was not exactly sure what I would do for the nightly evangelistic meetings. When they said I could assist in the Vacation Bible School (VBS), I happily volunteered because I like children. I didn't know how things usually go about in VBS but I was tasked to share Bible verses that the kids could recite.

While waiting for the first meeting to start, I was standing on one side holding the materials for the VBS activity, when 2 beautiful kids approached me...I introduced myself and asked for their names...Queencybel, 8 years old and Zyrelle, 6 years old. Queencybel wants to become a teacher while Zyrelle wants to become a doctor like me. I told them they could be whatever they want to be if they just keep praying to God and if they study hard in school.

When the VBS started, during the icebreaker, we were asked to introduce ourselves and then tell a name of a friend that they remember within the group. I was actually touched because when it was Zyrelle's turn, she pointed at me and said my name, "Ate Sweet". I guess my name is quite easy to remember, too. ☺️

Initially, I thought I was the one helping the children to learn more about Jesus. But as I sat there, listening to other volunteers share Bible songs and stories, I felt like I was a child eager to listen and learn more. The joy I see in the eyes of the children as they sing songs and participate in the activities reflect the joy I felt being a part of this ministry.

As the days went by, I slowly became closer to the children particularly to Queencybel. Every night when she would see me, she would give me a big tight hug. And it was not because I gave her any material thing...not even a single toy or food. I really felt that she simply enjoyed my company and I equally felt the same. 

During my last night in Guimaras, I wrote a simple letter to Queencybel and I asked if I could pray for her. I was trying to hold back my tears because I knew once I cry, it would be like a non-stop faucet. 😭 I prayed that she would continue to grow up to be an obedient child and that she would continue to study hard so she can fulfill her dreams and become a teacher so she can be used by God to inspire her future students. I pray that even in a very short span of time, she was able to feel God's love through me because I surely did feel His presence...It is truly amazing how God uses people, even children, to make you feel His love. And I knew I will never be the same. ❤️

Bible Readings:

Luke 10:21
1 Timothy 4:12