I write this article to highlight the fact that what we do at T.E.A.R.S. School is family and community focused. On Monday I visited my friend Anthony’s house, hopping in his taxi after classes had finished up. He is the father of two students here: Darling (grade two) and Baiolette (grade three). The entire family used to live on Eleventh Street- a minute’s walk from the school- but due to financial difficulties they were unable to pay the rent. They are now living in another barrio, very far from the school, but Anthony and his wife Thomasina are dedicated and go the distance to ensure their kids are receiving education.
During the afternoon I had a really meaningful discussion with Anthony. We got into thinking about the centrality of Jesus Christ as expressed in the Bible and also as he applies to our lives. Looking into the Old Testament, we found that the story of Samson in fact pointed to Jesus- the ultimate judge. Samson defeated a physical lion, but Jesus conquered the most menacing lion of all time. He took on Satan and eternal death- and triumphed. Samson- when they tried to contain him- lifted up the city gates and walked away. In the same way, Jesus- when the Pharisees attempted to weigh him down with commands and trap him with questions- responded by saying that they would not enter through the gate, for truly is the gate. And so he bore the weight of the law upon his shoulders, carrying it outside of Jerusalem, and all who believe can now enter through him. Samson broke through physical ropes, but Jesus shattered the chains of fear that once bound us, freeing us by his grace. Samson brought down the temple with his death, as did Jesus- but in an incomparably more profound way. Because of his sacrifice we have free access to God; the veil is torn!
Anthony reinforced that focusing on Christ- contemplating the truth of the gospel- is so central to what we do as we live in the kingdom, making disciples. “Refusing to let Christ rule in our hearts,” he said, “is spiritual starvation.” He is a very passionate man and hopes to enter into full-time evangelism in the future. Currently he works as a taxi driver, and he feels that God is using this time to prepare him for ministry. Anthony is a real man of God, with a passion to see his community transformed by the gospel, and it was so encouraging to get a glimpse of his faith.
Being a student at TEARS School is a privilege. We look for parents who have a desire to make an impact in their community, and Anthony’s family is a great example. Despite all the hardships they face, they are full of hope and Christ-centered ambition. After returning home I was hit by the fact that God is truly doing great things among us; that seeds are being planted and fruit being shown. This ministry is a blessing, and I give the glory to God.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 at 8:22 pm and is filed under Missionary's View. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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