I keep thinking about yesterday and those three hundred deaf kids. Many of them were wearing the large hearing aids that hang down behind their ears like my dad wore. They were tied together by a cord that ran across the back side of their heads so they would not lose one of them while playing. However, most of them had total hearing loss. It was sad, but also comical to see them in an animated conversation with their little hands. They can really go fast, even the little ones.
As we were ready to say out good-bys some of them signed their feelings about our having been there to give them medical care. Their messages were touching to all of us. As we left many of them followed us us to street toward the waiting bus and gave us bid hugs and even a little kiss on our cheek. Very few had dry eyes boarding the bus. What a joyful reminder of what the Lord can do with the few fish and loaves we were able to give them yesterday! This was a powerful healing medication for both them and us.
Back this up with our clinic to the Youth Shelter today and you have the microcosm of the human struggle for survival and the victories that come when a community loves and serves one another. We treated two hundred and seven children today from about 8 years old up to about the 9th grade level. We were there from 8:30 am until 7:30 pm. It takes longer at the Youth Shelter because binh tries to get a short history from all the new arrivals. So many of them are there because they have been abandoned by their parents, sold into the sex trade by a guardian or even a parent or grand parent, kicked out for whatever reasons, etc. For example one of the 13 year old girls came to the shelter a year ago after being under the control of a pimp since she was 8 years old. The tragic stories go on and on.
Many of the kids have to have dental care. Some teeth are pulled, but many others are filled. Those who have arrived in the last two months may have some physical problems that need treatment, but for the most part the staff at the Youth Shelter take good care of the kids. This is like a night and day difference from what it was when COPI first started working with the shelter in 1993. At that time the staff carried sticks to beat the kids into submission and the living conditions were worse than bad. Now the kids go to school, are taught a trade and most important of all, they are given respect and love by the staff. For most of them this is the first time they ever experienced love or respect as a person. Pastor Jeff and I were walking around looking at the buildings etc. and got into a conversation with the shelter manager. She answered many of Jeff's questions, but she said something that brought a tear to my eye. She said, "I have worked here for 15 years, not for the small pay, but because I love these children." I don't know if she is a comrade or not, or even a Christian, but I do know she has the Spirit of Jesus working through her. "The wind blows through the trees and we know not from where it comes or goes... the same for the Spirit... The Lord always shows up in the most unexpected places.
In spite of the long day everyone worked well with each other and I did not hear any grumbling etc. The only thing I saw were some of the team members slipping out to the side of a building to shed some tears and recompose themselves before pitching right back into their ministry as best they could.
It has been a great team effort and a marvelous adventure into a new culture and the lives of it's people. We are not allowed to use a direct witness, but I have always believed that the love that sparkles through our eyes and the love that is communicated through our actions and touch carries the message of a loving Savior. There is a time and a season for all things... this is the time and season to open doors through our attitudes and humble gifts of love.
On the back of this years COPI t-shirt are these words: "If you don't stand up for children, you don't stand for much."
Jim
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