walking around Freetown

Walking the streets in Freetown, you don't get very far without being approached to pay school fees, to get married, to buy someone food, to have a new best friend or just for a simple hand out. My skin color shouts to those around me that I have something that they want. I only wish that they knew that what I have to offer is more than money or even my own approval and time. My hope is that I would leave them with a sense of worth and value, not because I value them or see worth in them (which I do) but because they were made uniquely and wonderfully by the Lord. I know that my time with them needs to be intentional. The message that they are beloved by the Lord needs to be louder than all the other messages that they are hearing. They are up against such a formidable wall of oppression. This is overwhelming for my heart at times, but I choose to live in the peace that my responsibity is to be a reflection here and now of how much the Lord loves them and wants to know them.

There are three boys that sell stuff on the main street here in Freetown. I don't know if they are trying to raise school fees or just money to eat. They are friends of Lighthouse and come occasionally. They are not officially in the program though. They cannot be admitted right now due to a lack of a money (or something like that...I don't know all the details). What I do know is that I ALWAYS look forward to passing by them on the street. I believe that they all know that even though we cannot offer them money....we offer them the dignity of being known and being beloved. They never ask us for anything but they ALL light up when we stop and visit with them. They often come and help at Kroo Bay...they give to the kids in the slum out of what they have been given emotionally by the WMF staff (Joe particularlly) investing into them. I hope and pray for more of these moments in my days. Moments when I can stop, look someone in the eye, hear their story and get to know them. To leave with them with the knowledge that the Lord longs to know them and be known by them. I know in my own life this knowledge is what gives my life it's meaning!