“Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, ‘Look at us!’ The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. But Peter said, ‘I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!’ Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did the man’s feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.” Acts 3:1-8
I was at another Beautiful Gate this month. In one of the poorest areas of the city of Windhoek, Namibia, a group of faithful Christians continue the work of Peter and John. Early every morning, fifty to sixty children enter a special haven called the Beautiful Gate, where they receive nourishment for the body, mind, and soul. The workers, most of the time, can honestly say, “Silver or gold have we none,” but they give what they have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, they love.
Most of these children have met common tragedy in their young lives; their parents have died of AIDS. Some live in small houses with as many as eighteen people. Most have been given no hope, but the Christians see a different future. This year the Community Hope School was started to give a place for the older children to receive a quality education. Archie and Sofia, both natives of Namibia, are two master teachers instructing these children in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Does God not give us a glimpse of His heart in the story of Peter and John? Wherever we encounter people, can we not look them in the eye with the love of our Savior? Can we not give them what we have in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth? The man at the Temple danced for joy and the people accustomed to him begging were “absolutely astounded.” We saw many children dancing for joy at the Beautiful Gate of Namibia… and we danced with them. A community known for poverty, addiction, and brevity of life rejoices that Jesus cares enough to get involved. May the mighty works of the Beautiful Gate follow God’s children all around the world.
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:16