The kids at CHE's Drop-In Center are often dirty, smelly, disobedient, and ill-mannered. But they are also entirely worthy of God's love. Isn't it the same with each of us? We don't always act as we should and sometimes we smell awful but God loves us just the way we are. God's love and grace are freely given regardless of our condition or circumstance. It's because of His love and grace that Nega Meaza, Director of Children's Home Ethiopia (CHE), cares so deeply for the children at the Drop-In Center. And what's more...
These children LOVE Nega!
If you drive down the street with Nega in Mexico (the area where the Drop-In Center is located) you will hear "NEGA!" shouted from the mouths of numerous children and you will see them running as fast as they can after the car.
This image brings to life for me the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:14...
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Nega is imitating Jesus as he invites the children to come to him.
And the children come back again and again because they know without doubt that Nega's love for them is real. Joe and I are honored to serve these children alongside Nega. He is truly an example of Christ in word and deed!
My dorky gift to give...
Nega needs to dedicate his time to ministering to the children, but the administrative demands of CHE often take his attention.
To be really honest, I have always wanted a "cool" spiritual gift -- like discernment or prophesy. But God instead gave me the "dorky" spiritual gift of administration. For such a time as this!
It now excites me to be able to take some of the administrative load off of Nega's back. I get a thrill out of helping maintain employee and beneficiary files, recording physical donations, organizing and filing paperwork, etc.
My goal this year is to get the behind the scenes "stuff" organized and running more efficiently, so that Nega will be free to do what God lets Him do so well...love on those kids.
Of course, I plan to do some loving on kids too!!! But isn't it great how we all have different gifts and that, when used together, we can accomplish so much?
~ Karyn Bridges (Cheerful Admin Dork)