On June 11, we started teaching in a new batey, Campina. Our teaching covers a 10 week period & begins with Creation. Yesterday was the start of week 5 & the teaching of the 10 Commandments. Unfortunately, we were never able to teach that lesson. The kids entered the church & made such a ruckus. It was unbelievably loud in there with people yelling, whistling, and randomly playing the church's instruments. I walked in & was immediately taken aback. It kind of bristled my feathers to hear all the noise because I just knew they were going to be difficult.
It went exactly as I expected, the kids continued to be loud & disrespectful. They wouldn't stop talking, & they barely made it through the singing. When Jason went up to the front to start the teaching, less than half were actually listening. He only made it a few words into his lesson before he had to stop. Meanwhile, I'm trying hard to get kids to be quite without adding to the noise. I did several index-finger motions to my lips, almost too many to count. It took a lot not to show my frustration. Eventually, we had to make the decision to leave without giving the lesson.
It was as we were to picking up that church that I couldn't hold it in any longer. I let my frustration with the kids get to me. It had all been building up inside... the disrespect, the blatant disinterest, the inability to see that we care, and the list goes on. I snapped & told some kid that they weren't listening, & I didn't understand why. Why were they being so difficult?
Thankfully, I have people in my life that care enough about me to show me my weaknesses. They helped me to see that my response was wrong, that perfect love doesn't react that way. I know I'm not perfect, but I am striving to be like Christ. I look back at the day & realize that it's a start of growth for me. I have a compassion for these kids & desire for them to have the love of Christ in their lives. I want them to understand more than they have the capacity for, at this time.
So, I'm asking you to pray with me. If you have a moment now, please take it. Ask that the kids from Campina might see a glimpse of the big picture, that their hearts might be changed, & we, Freedom, can continue to teach them God's word. Also, pray for me as I deal with all the frustrations. I believe my heart is in the right place. I really do care about all of them, but it seems like, too often, I allow my aggravation to control my actions. Being so honest is hard for me, but your prayers are more important than my wanting to hide my imperfections!
Katie
Katie
