“Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, and in purity.” I Timothy 4:12
When I was 7 years old I went on my first international mission trip. My parents had just completed a YWAM Crossroads DTS and the group planned to spend 3 months ministering in 4 Asian countries. Even though I was young, I have vivid memories of that experience. One memory is of painting the figure nails of children living in the dumps of Manila. As my mom (whose nails were always painted) and I walked through the little village, children of all ages pulled at my hair, ran their dirty hands over my white skin and tugged at my dress (I hated wearing anything but dresses or shirts). During that week, I meticulously painted their figure nails – numerous times. When I finished, they wore the biggest smiles of anyone I had ever seen before.
I am so thankful that my parents show me how I could be a servant even at such a young age. I learned on that trip that I had something to offer. I couldn’t give money. I couldn’t build a house or fix a roof. I couldn’t give medicines or dig a well. But I could make these beautiful children smile by giving my time and a little nail polish.
Today I (my finger nails are always painted) walked with my daughter, who is 7 years old, to a poor Paraguayan barrio. In one hand, Ginny (who insists on wearing a dress or a skirt) held a sack full of nail polish. As she sat on the grass, a bunch of girls gathered around to choose their favorite color. Ginny meticulously painted their nails and when she was done, the girls walked away smiling. I hope she is learning that even though she has no money to give or the strength to build a house, she can still be a servant with her time…and a little bit of nail polish.
5 comments:
Thanks for sharing this. I know your Mom is tickled pink! (Or would it be red??!!!)
I like the way you involve the kids in what ya'll do. You and Jeff are doing a wonderful job raising them to reflect Jesus. We are proud of you both!
Your Dad left last night for Seattle for a Christian Writer's Conference.
He hopes to see Donna while he is there. He will be back next Wednesday.
Keep painting those nails and remembering HIS nails!
Hi Amy, Thank you for your note. You and your family are an inspiration. Our small donations pale in comparison to the work you are doing. You and Jeff have a beautiful family. God Bless You All. Kevin Campbell
Too sweet. What a heritage to pass along!
This is my favorite blog post in the history of all blog posts!!! Love you, Wask! :)
Dear Amy, There are prohibitions in the bible against pride but somehow I think that pride is allowed, at least a little, when my daughter is doing such a marvelous ministry in Paraguay. When we were in Manila I remember how you accepted all of the kids. You called them little dust balls which they were. I think from that earlies age you had a love for the less fortunate of the world and your ministry in Paraguay certainly confirms all of that. Do you remember how we gave Beth and Boy a wooden cabinet to put their clothes in so the rats wouldn't eat their clothes? Always remember the nails. Love from your dad.
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