#unconditionalforgiveness

<<A continuation of Camp 2019: Week 1>>

"The Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." ~Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV) 

     May God receive glory for being the one who chooses and uses the weak to shame the strong! Despite all the relocation mishaps, the Lord provided a new place to this time run an 24/7 camp at a hot springs hotel. This hotel allowed both foreigners and citizens to stay there. It also had a pool and adequate space for the kids to play. Our fellowship Sunday was uplifting as a brother delivered a message on examining our faith. It was dear to have the time to hold on to each truth in His word and know that the trials we all faced were in the purpose of the Lord. 

       On Monday 7/15, I met my translator Elise and our adorable 8 year old boy Tommy* (advocacy name) who had a lot of energy. We quickly found Tommy had trouble controlling his eating and was extremely active. Compared to last week there wasn't time to have a conversation since Tommy loved running around. It was humbling, since I am a chatterbox, to learn to witness with actions, not just words. The Lord showed me how much I needed to rely on Him in prayer when I would fail to be loving and He was faithful to answer prayers to fill my heart with His love. 

       The next day, Tommy woke up with a stomach ache and told me he wanted to throw up. After talking to the camp director, we decided that sitting in the family style dinning room with all the food was not a good idea so we ate outside where Elise and I switched off eating separately or helping teach Tommy learn to eat slower with help from camp staff. It was a week of discipline and correction but it was heartwarming to see Tommy's loving nature. Each time we left to eat and came back, Tommy would see us, run to us, and happily shout, "姐姐!" (jie jie = big sister) as he gave us a big hug! This reminded me of Psalm 127:3, 

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward (NASB)." 

       The Lord also used Tommy to teach me unconditional forgiveness. A particular  kid would hit him often and they had a bit of a fight in the pool one day. Later, that kid's family wanted him to apologize to Tommy but he refused. Elise and I had talked to Tommy about how he had been in the wrong too and asked him to apologize. Even though the other kid would not apologize, Tommy immediately did so! Throughout the week, no matter how many times Tommy was hit, he'd always respond in love and forgiveness. Though I don't know Tommy's heart, it touched my heart to see him live out a picture of Matthew 18:21-22 (above).          

        The last day started off somber as I reflected on not having a chance to share about the Lord with Elise. Each day started off with small prayers for opportunity and time was running out. As we packed up, the brother who was "chaperoning" Tommy's room, was giving the kids post cards of art he had created. Elise loved poetic things so when she saw one of the cards (pictured on the left), she was amazed and asked about the meaning behind it. Each postcard had biblical inspiration behind it as he explained some to her. Since there were terms like, "Fruits of the Spirit" she couldn't understand in English, the Lord gave me an opportunity to translate it into Chinese, meaning Tommy could hear too! Wow, I pray seeds may be planted! It amazes me how when He answers prayers, He goes above and beyond what we can imagine!

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all the we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen." ~Eph 3:20-21

Week 1 Buddy: Victor