The Bahamas is full of tourism; in fact, ther is no national export, they only provide entertainment for people with the money to come. There is wealth galore within the first roads, starting at the beach, and there are people throwing around money. One can stay in a local hotel called the Atlantis (where Oprah stays) for up to $30,000 a night, and many people stay here. The ferry to an island across the sound is around $25 and thousands of people make the trip. Somebody is selling something at any time of the day, from conch shells to marijuana, you can find anything here. It is much like the US in that regard and in many other regards, such as their sports. I had the chance to go and play football with a local group of guys the past two Saturdays, and it has been a blast. I reminded me of being home on a perfect summer night.
Another thing that makes me think of home is on a quite different level. There are hundereds of kids in this town alone that are left on their own, by either irresponsible parenting or state mandates, much like home. In a small town maybe the size of Port Huron, there are a huge number of orphanages, abandoned kid's homes, and other child serivce providers. They are trying to help these kids, which is a good start.
The fact is that the main thing these kids want is attention and to be accepted by someone, anyone. I had the opportunity to go and present Christ to these kids, while trying to show them the love that he would have given them. I went to a hostile today where kids of any age come when social services so decides, and the kids were awesome. We did a program that presented the gospel clearer than we would be able to in America, and I can only pray that I loved them the way Jesus would have. I went to a place where kids are brought by parents who don't want them any more, and it nearly brings tears to my eyes trying to imagine the pain of that. We also did a short program and played with them as well. They really just want someone to listen, to touch, to hold them, and to know that they have worth. The teachers at the institution were all seemingly unhappy with their job which translates into them not treating the kids with love. This world is so messed up that these precious kids grow up thinking that they won't be loved. The fact is that sexs' allure will draw many who aren't ready for parenthood, which in turn means many kids will feel unloved, even at home.
So my challenge is this: show someone that life is beautiful. Step up (much like I need to do) to helping a kid on his way into a relationship with the One who will love him unconditionally, while you go out and love them too. these kids are precious to the Father, so shall we belittle their worth by being too busy to go out and care for them? I hope not, and I pray that even after the ship I can continue loving the kid's who feel meaningless.
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1 comment:
You have always had a heard for children. remember when you said you would have a thousand kids and one hundred wives? We used to laugh so hard, but the heart for young ones was always there...Keep showing and sharing Gods love. For He too, had a heart for children.
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