I’ve fallen in love and I want to tell
you
all about it. You
see it was like this…
Once upon a time a friend came to me, “Cynth, would you be willing to teach a Bible Study to four little kids? They’re kinda poor though... but they’re leaving in January and I met their mother. I told her about the Bible Study and told her that her kids should learn about God before they left.”
I said yes instantly.
The first day they sat at rapt attention while I taught them where the Bible came from and the story of the rebellion of Lucifer and the creation of the world. They quickly figured out how to work the Bibles and were trying to see who could find the references the fastest.
They shared two Bibles among them: a shabby picture one and a huge five pound Catholic Bible. They are sharp kids! I was amazed at their attention and their ability to repeat almost word for word what I had taught them when I quizzed them at the end.
I think I fell in love from that first day.
They are beautiful!
They have already memorized the list of the books of the Bible. (They got a kick out of the name Thessalonians. They said they were going to name their dog that someday.)
When we came to the Ten Commandments they were shocked. Being good Catholics they had memorized the ten commandments for catechism. But did you know that by rewording the commandments- the Catholic church in Brazil cleverly removes the commandment against idols or worshipping images?!
“But I never heard this before!” was Julio’s shocked reaction when he read the verse. Brazil is big on idolatry with saints for everything and idols in almost every house. By the end of the lesson though they were firmly convicted, “What we’ve got to believe is what God’s word says, not what someone told us.”
When I asked them what they had learned that day they said, “NO praying to saints or Mary – just God.” That’s a radical statement to make. They had come to their own conclusion without me having to say anything. God’s word convinced them!
Last week when I was doing a review with them. Julio looked up at me pensively, “Is Jesus going to be the Liberator that God promised would come?” Ever since the Promise was made to Adam that Messiah would come they’ve been anxiously awaiting Him to come on the scene and defeat Satan. “I don’t know Julio, let’s wait and see; we’ve got to see what the Bible says.”
When Moses was born I asked them, “Do you guys think He’s the Liberator?” They weren’t sure… but after some thought they answered, “No, he can’t be. His parents are human. The Liberator can’t have a human father- because He can’t be a sinner.”
Right on. Like I said- these kids are sharp!
They’ve only met their real father once. (they don't like to talke about him) There’s a guy that’s been living with their mom for the last three years. He doesn’t take much interest in them. In fact, he doesn’t even know how to tell the difference between Monica and Miriam!
Today I finished up teaching them the Old Testament. I never cease to be amazed at their reactions! After two hours of teaching I said, “Ok, that’s all for today.”
“Oh my word! It went so fast! I think you should teach until ten! We could listen all day!” Monica said.
“Yeah, when it’s five thirty (I teach at six) we’re all sitting on the porch waiting for you,” Miriam added.
“Couldn’t you come every day?” Julio went running in to ask his mom if I could come every day instead of just Wednesday and Friday.
I taught outside today and the little neighbor kids stood at the low wall to listen. (Their grandma didn’t let them come over)
Because my mom was late in picking me up I taught them some choruses. They grabbed pencils and paper to write them down. “We’ll have them memorized by tomorrow!” Miriam said. “Can you teach us all the songs you know about God?” I told them it would take too long, but I’d try.
At the end of the Bible study Julio looked me straight in the eye, “I can’t wait to see who the Liberator is!”
My mom bought them each a Bible (even little William) that we're going to give them tomorrow. Because tomorrow’s the big day (December 19, 2002)!!! Tomorrow is the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and they will find out who Messiah, born to the virgin, of the house of David, a sinless perfect man- God incarnate, the Lamb of God- is!!
I am so excited! I feel so deeply humbled and honored to see take part in this miracle and see New Life being born before my eyes!
I better stop though…. Cuz, well you know…. When people are in love they can go on and on!
Merry Christmas! Messiah has come!
In HIM always and forever,
CYNTHIA