A post from the April 2017 mission trip to Belize...
Instead of describing our daily activities today, I'd like to tell you about a child we cared for named AJ. But before I get to AJ, let me share our devotion scriptures for the night.
Matthew 19:13-15 says, "(13) Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. (14) Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' (15) When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there."
Mark 1:40-42 says, "(40) A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, 'If you are willing, you can make me clean.' (41) Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean!' (42) Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed."
Back to AJ... today, in the middle of all the activities we were doing, one in our group saw a young boy "AJ" sitting alone under a tree crying. He asked AJ why he was crying and he said it was because the other kids wouldn't play with him. You see, AJ suffers from a rare skin disorder that has scarred his face quite badly. He looks different and so he is shunned by the other kids.
Devotion: Do you think Jesus had to touch the children physically to pray for them? Did He have to touch the leper to heal him?
Answer: of course not, Jesus could simply speak and heal.
Then why did Jesus touch them? Could it be that Jesus wanted to show them love and show others around them that they are lovable? Today we had the privilege of showing one of God's children His love, AND showing the other children around him that AJ is very lovable. We (those of us who commit time and resources to international mission) get asked often why we go abroad to mission, why don't we just send money and stay home where we are safe and comfortable? Answer: because Jesus TOUCHED the leper! Yes we could send a check and accomplish some construction project or even buy some kid's health care, but we would miss the opportunity to love AJ and to teach those around him that he is worth loving.