Maria's Lesson On Abandoning Self

Aaron and I spent the day speaking to classes from K5 to 6th grade about missions and Kenya. We walked through what a day in the life of an African child would be like, showed them Kenyan drums and toys, taught them some swahili, and answered a lot of questions...seriously, a LOT of questions! We also took time to share the need with each class. Whenever speaking with children, we take caution in not sharing too heavy of subjects. We share stories of the need in Africa, but keep it simple and at child-level. Children are often so sensitive to the needs of others. These kids asked so many questions and were so excited to hear about God's plan for missions. It was during the 5th grade class that we met a little girl (or pre-teen, as they notified me they are called these days) named Maria.

Later in the evening we got to attend a special art show put on by these students. During the art show, Maria approached us. "I have been saving since my birthday and Christmas to get an ipod touch. While I was listening to you speak today, God really touched my heart. I decided later that I wanted to give the money to Kenya that I have saved for my ipod." She placed $100 in our hands.

Obviously tears flowed down my face as I listened to the heart of this little girl (pre-teen). What an incredible sacrifice she made. It got me thinking if I would be willing to make such a sacrifice for others? Even as a missionary, who has surrendered my life to the Lord's work, would I be so willing to give of my finances so dedicatedly saved?

Maria did more than just give money to our ministry. She reminded us that God wants all of His children, both young and old, to make such radical sacrifices. So I had to ask myself (because I am a 2nd generation over-analyzer and seeker of spiritualizing everything....thanks Dad) ...what is the "ipod touch" in my life? What in my life is God calling me to surrender to Him? Any dream, desire, goal that I am holding on to so tightly that I am not willing to give it up, like Maria did with her ipod?

"We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves." David Platt