MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY LOVING

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12

Karen would always dream of going to needy people to share love. In her mind, the ones who needed help the most were those in poor economic or social conditions. It was during her volunteer missionary work in Thailand that this belief was proven wrong.

She came across people in different situations. Some needed food, medication, or other kinds of assistance. As a music teacher in an international school, her job didn’t involve that kind of help. She dealt with the richest people in the city. The students had everything they needed, but many of them lacked what was most important: love. Some would come from a dysfunctional family and would have behavior disorders.This became very challenging for teachers.

As a Christian volunteer teacher, Karen was taught to represent Jesus to those kids. They may not remember her name someday, but for sure they will remember how she made them feel and the values they learned from her words and actions. In challenging situations, she realized that these children needed more care and kindness.

Karen remembers that Brian*, a boy in Grade 5, was struggling for a long time to socialize. His classmates would make jokes about him and reject his presence. He would have outbursts of rage and fight with them. His family was aware of his case and were seeking psychological treatment. Every time kids had a problem in her class, she would talk to each one to solve it. That boy specifically was humble to acknowledge his fault and had a teachable heart. Karen told him to count on her and come to talk every time he needed it. Since he was feeling more comfortable with her, he also felt more encouraged to approach other kids. It was beautiful to see his improvement.

After serving for three years, it was time to move forward, and in her last days at that school, Brian told Karen he would miss her a lot and would never forget her. This kid made all her efforts worth it! She left her home, crossed oceans and continents, and if her service in Thailand was to reach out and transform Jesus’ love to Brian, it was all
worth it! She’ll probably never see him or the other kids again, but who knows what surprises God is preparing for in Heaven?

Please, pray for our missionaries, volunteers, and Global Mission Pioneers.
Your faithfulness sustains their ministry.

*Names changed to protect identity.

CHALLENGE FOR THE FAMILY: If someone in your area struggles to express love positively, pray for them. Write their name down and ask for Jesus’ love to reach them through you. Show kindness and compassion as you interact with them, letting your actions reflect Christ’s love.