I rose early each morning in Ecuador and went to our hotel’s small dining room to read and wait for our team to gather for breakfast. John was usually close behind, but instead of reading, he made friends with the two men who prepared our meals. They invited the nine-year-old behind the closed doors of the kitchen to lend a hand. After tables were set and breakfast was prepared, these two friendly waiters sat down and played video games with the boy they called Juanito.
As a father and teacher I often wonder what impacts kids. How does God use life experiences to teach and mold his children? We’re never told any more about the little boy who gave up his lunch so Jesus could feed the five thousand, but I wonder if perhaps Andrew returned the boy’s basket with a word of encouragement. “Look what God did with your two loaves and five fish! If Jesus can do such a miracle with your lunch, just think what he can do with you!” (see John 6)
Each year Pastor Manuel performs a beautiful, simple gesture at the close of our visit. After the work is done he invites us to their family apartment that also serves as an after school ministry for children in the town of Cajabamba. We always form a circle and listen to Pastor Manuel thank us for coming to his country. With the help of a translator, he tells us that we are a part of his family and that we are always welcome in his home. He also asks that we pray for their work in the town and in the mountain villages that many will come to know Jesus and that all would prosper.
This year Pastor Manuel added another little part to his talk that brought tears to my eyes. He pulled John close to him and thanked him for returning to Ecuador. He told Juanito that he is special and that God has a plan for his life. Of course John beamed and as Pastor Manuel finished, a small man hugged a big boy.
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea… See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-6, 10