Amy and I spent the afternoon with the house mothers of Lar Betania. (At the orphanage, there are multiple houses and each house has a mother and father that live in the house to take care of the children.) Amy and I took the house mothers shopping to buy clothes for the children. Each house mother picked out the clothes that the children in their houses needed — clothes, jackets, socks, and underwear. As I watched these mothers pick clothes for their children, I thought about the servant attitude that they have on a daily basis. These amazing women give of themselves each day. They are each a wife, a mother to numerous children, and they spend their time at the orphanage — cooking, cleaning, etc. They rarely have a moment alone since some of the children go to school in the morning and some of the children go to school in the afternoon. Yet, they are filled with joy and always looking for ways to serve. Their lives exemplify that this live is not about them but about others. As I have watched these women this week, I am reminded of the following verse in the Bible:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
It is a blessing to have gotten to spend this week with them and I hope that I can apply to my life what I have learned from them this week.
Please pray for our team tomorrow. Tomorrow will be the hardest day on the team as it will be the team’s last day at the orphanage. The good-byes are always hard on the children and the team. Please also pray for Michael as he prepares to preach in tomorrow night’s service at the church.
Thankful for this time in Brazil,
Marcilla
Comments
I have been reminded over snd over again this week of Philippians 2. Your team has been an example of Christ’s humility in service to the children of Lar Betania. Reading about the selfless devotion and love the house mothers and fathers show in caring for these children has blessed me and challenged me as well. I am continuing to pray for the team and the children as you say your good-byes and praying hearts have been changed by the grace of our Risen Lord. I will also be in prayer for the church service tonight and the team’s safe return home.
Praising Him, Ava