Through a Glass Darkly: June 2012

Sunday, June 24, 2012

HARD THINGS

There's a boy who's been on my heart for some time. He always has the same clothes on every time I see him: a dirty shirt and shorts that are baggy on his slender frame.
Three weeks ago I bought some clothes in Blantyre, and I've been waiting to see him again so I could give them to him.

Today I saw him. I had someone interpret for me. I told John (not his real name) that God told me to talk to him and to give him something. I told John that God wants him to know that He sees him and He loves him. I gave him the clothes I'd bought. He was barefoot, so I will buy some flip-flops to give him the next time I see him. I was shocked to find out that John was not 11 years old as I'd thought---but 14. That is called stunting: children shorter and smaller than average because of malnourishment. I have students his age in my high school classes. John has not finished elementary school: I'm not sure if he is even going to school at this point. I also found out that he has two younger brothers, ages 10 and 3. I will buy some clothes for these boys for the next time I see John.

I would cry, but there are too many like John. So I pray--and I use the money people have given to help boys like John.

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For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

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( not "John")
June 27 update

I was walking back to the house after a morning of looking for clothes in the market when "John" ran out onto the lane about 30 feet in front of me. He was wearing his new clothes. And, both the pants and shirt were the right length!

He just stood there, grinning.

When I reached him, I pointed at his clothes and grinned back at him.

He said, "Thank you!"
and then he said,
"Shoes."

I replied, "Shoes!" and pointed at my shopping bag.
I'd bought some croc-type slipon shoes for him.
I thought they might be a little bit big, but they fit.

Happy boy!!

Happy me.

Friday, June 22, 2012

LILONGWE LADIES' TRIP

outskirts of Lilongwe, Malawi's capital city

Lilongwe Pentecostal Church & School
My uncle & aunt pastored (from start-up) here 1985-1988

Relaxing at the Korean Gardens, our hotel/hostel

Grace & Shirley

Me, in relaxation mode :)

Shirley & I gathered a small crowd when we dipped our feet in the pool. The water was COLD! I was still considering braving the water when Shirley noticed that the pool's bottom wasn't actually painted brown. The pool was dirty! Swim cancelled.