6.29.09

So, Monday began the second week of school and consequently the second set of lesson plans (since I teach every class once a week). This week’s plan was to present the Gospel to the students. But each time I sat down to prepare, I couldn’t figure it out. The Gospel, I mean. I’m sure I know what the “Gospel” exactly is anymore. What it means. How it feels. I thought of using the Four Spiritual Laws or the Romans Road. But then I thought, if someone was to read the Bible cover to cover, and then read either of those, I’m sure they’d be wondering where we came up with that formula for salvation. Really, think about that. The Bible is so much more than steps to getting our butts into heaven. It’s a love story about how God was seeking out a people to dwell with: First Adam and Eve, and that didn’t go so well. Then Israel, and well, they didn’t get it even the 98th and 99th times. Then He decided to come Himself, in the flesh among us, so He could ultimately dwell in us. He created a Kingdom, with subjects scattered among all the nations. Him. With us. In us.
It’s taken me 20 years to admit it’s not a formula. “Step one: admit you’re a sinner. Step two: know you’re separated from God. Step three: ask Jesus into your heart.” It’s taken me until this week to admit that I need a Gospel that I can feel, touch, smell, and taste … experience. To have steps for that would be like writing “steps” for falling in love. You just can’t.
Now, try to explain that to 14 year-olds in 40 minutes.
I have 7 girls in Bible study on Mondays and they are precious learners. We are learning about the Holy Spirit. This week, we talked about how the Holy Spirit seals our salvation (I’m thinking my choice of topic may have something to do with Friday night’s conversation. Just maybe?). Theonette (Friday after school girl) was so overjoyed to learn that her salvation was secure. She clapped her hands and just started singing:

I’m so glad I’m a Christian, I’m serving the Lord.
I’m reading my Bible, believing God’s Word.
My sins are forgiven, I’ happy and free.
There’s a mansion in heaven just waiting for me.

My brothers and sisters, please listen to me.
Why don’t you let Jesus come into your hearts?
He is waiting this moment for you to receive
Eternal salvation if you just believe.

I had her write it down because it was a beautiful melody and I said I wanted to sing it every week. She said, “Yes, Miss Amy, I thought you might want to write it down.” I just laughed and she laughed with me.
I can’t capture in words the joy in Theonette’s life. It’s beautiful. Stunning, really. I am so incredibly thankful God placed her in my life. She’s priceless to me.
One other Bible Study moment is sticking to my mind like the blown sand sticks to all our wet laundry. By the end of the study, we were talking about the difference between being a “Christian” (church-goer, self-righteous, legalistic, doing what’s right in front of other people for attention, religion) and a follower of Jesus Christ (having an intimate relationship with the Father through the means provided by Christ, loving Him, living out life with Him in us). Libshen asked if she could ask me a question.
“Miss Amy, why don’t many men want to follow Jesus?”
Silence followed. She actually expected me to have an answer to her question, a sharp stab to the heart of the bride of Christ. My stunned silence told her to explain I guess because she went onto say that churches are 80% women and 20% men and she’s confused on why.
So am I.
I told her I wished I could say it was just here in Reheboth, but it’s everywhere. Everywhere. Men are missing. Missing the opportunity to lead girls like Libshen into following Christ.
And we’re missing out family. Because they are precious followers.
Chandre came again today. Praise God! I was worried she wouldn’t. I think she gets about one other meal a day. she’s thin, but obviously not getting enough. I do pray she keeps coming.