Childlike Joy

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awecame upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  And all who believed were together and had all things in common.  And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. -Acts 2:42-47

This was the main verse we had to read for yesterday’s bible study and as I read it I realized exactly what this summer is supposed to be about.  My team and I are in South Korea and we are working with refugees.  We’re going to be teaching them English.  All the students have so much joy and the big question is, how do they have that much joy after everything that they have been through?  The answer is simple, Jesus.  Next question, how do they know about Jesus? The answer to that is also simple, but yet so complicated.  There are people, like my team and I, who come and serve at the school every summer.  There are also a select few that are staff at the school.  They are full time missionaries that live with the students and teach them, not just English but the word of God as well.  The Holy Spirit is so absolutely present in this school and it is so exciting to look forward to what God has in store for the summer.  

However, coming to this summer I was thinking about what I would have to do… how I would grow… what challenges I would face… etc… The common theme in all of this is the word I.  As soon as I met one of the students, I realized that this summer has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the students’ relationship with Jesus.  The verse above was so convicting because it really speaks truth into the heart of what my team and I should be doing here in Seoul.  We should be devoting ourselves to the Word of God and always seeking his guidance and strength.  We should not be overwhelmed with petty differences or annoyances because at the end of the day the root of our souls is the same, Christ.  Lastly, we need to love one another in a way that our love for Christ Shines through without any doubt.  Showing the students the love of Christ and striving to share the Good News with them.  

God works in mighty mighty ways!  Adding to the number of believers day by day.  That is my prayer for my summer and the students that I’ll be working with.  I pray that God would add to the number of believers daily and the students would being a beautiful life saving journey with Christ.