The Lord is my shepherd
We have just finished 2 days of VBS here in Tanzania! Day 1 we had over 500 kids & day 2we had over 300 kids! It was amazing to watch kids come and love spending time at the church for the first time. Even though many of them do not understand our language or what it means to follow God, I believe they still felt God’s joy in them because I could see his joy pouring out of them in laughs and smiles. On a walk back from a village on the day of our 2nd VBS, we passed many kids who had been at VBS both days. They would yell out our names or wave as we passed and some even followed us for a few minutes yelling farewells. I could feel their joy and excitement.
For me personally, this week has been hard. It is hard to be away from home. It is hard to be away from my family and friends who I find much of my comfort and joy in. It is very hard to find comfort when everything around me is new and uncomfortable. However, seeing the joy the kids have when they come to church or see us in the village brings me joy. It gives me comfort knowing they can find comfort in this unfamiliar place called church where they learn about an unfamiliar love from a God who they don’t even realize is giving them their joy. I thank God that even when I have hard days and I cannot find peace and comfort, I know God has an eternity of joy and peace waiting for me and every child I have met here.
Psalm 23 1-6 NLT
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”
