When I was 17 I went on a mission trip to Miami. My youth group loaded up on a single charter bus and headed east. We were going to be spending a full week running a VBS. Apparently our youth minister didn't realize we were running the show, surprise! That week changed the direction of my entire life.
That week I was in charge of 5 pre-k boys. Please reread that statement, this time slower.. A 17 year old in charge of FIVEEEEEE pre-k boys for a week! It was craziness! The first two days kicked me in the rear. But eventually I was able to take on that storm and have fun with these awesome little dudes! That week God showed me how to love and if I could love those kids that much then He must really love us! On the last night of that trip I was baptized! Two years later I went to Mexico for a week. With a group of college students we were building a church and sharing the Gospel in a community about an hour away from Rosarito beach. What beautiful trip full of beautiful people! So while my team slaved away on the church I would sneak away for some soccer in the street. The local kids would come out and just hang out. I would make my best attempt to tell them to go get a soccer ball. Once they returned back we would kick it in the street for a long time. That week I met William. This little stud would play soccer, hang out, and just be awesome! We were able to talk to him that week and hopefully show him he is loved! I still remember the last time I saw William. He came out to our Fiesta, he made some art on a piece of paper. He put his hands in the paint and slapped them on the paper. His hands shaped a heart. (I still have no idea if he planned it that way) But he handed it to me. That piece of paper still hangs on my wall. The following year I hopped on a plane to Malawi. To be honest I was completely unprepared for this journey. The whole experience slapped me right in the jaw. God opened my eyes to completely new horizons. On this trip two kids still stick out to me. The first one was "Green shirt kid" we laughed and played for two days. He clung to me and I was always on the look out for him. I pray that he knows he is loved. The second kid is David. Spoiler: The second year I went to Malawi I ran into him again. A big reason I am going back to Malawi this year is David. He lives in the community of Kalimbira and that is where we spend most of our days. So whether you're ready of not David, I am coming for you in July!! (God willing) Nowadays I work at the Children's home here in town. As tough as these kids may be, they have my attention! I can hear them calling out for love and attention. I won't name names but there are a few kids that I just click with! However long I may be at this job I pray that I can just remind them they are so loved! When I see adults I see them as children. It may be a weird thought, but that is just where my mind goes. So if they are angry, I wonder what hurt happened in their past. If they are joyful, I wonder about the people who poured into them as children. If I am honest I forgot most of the people who played roles in my childhood. I remember a few! Coaches who encouraged me, family friends, or even my theater arts teacher in 4th and 5th grade! (Thanks Gino!) This mindset places incredible meaning into my life. So with Vladimir, Khalel, and Michael from Miami, William in Mexico, David in Malawi, or my friends at work. They will one day be adults. I don't do my job to be remembered, I do my job to guide them towards the heart of my savior. So my prayer is that you will see purpose in your own walk. Look around you. Each person is God's masterpiece. Children running towards Love! Just like these kids came out of their houses and hung out with me. I pray that every single day I would step out and run towards Jesus! He is all I have. Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
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AuthorMy name is Andrew Berry! I am just living my life chasing after Jesus and trying to point others to Him. Archives
January 2017
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