By Mary

Generally, I make it a practice not to engage in the game of “What if . . .?”  You know the one.  What If I had done this instead of that? What if I had said this and not that? It’s closely related to the game of “I wish I had . . .”  These are often not terribly productive games, partially because we can get stuck in them. If played briefly and with purpose, however, they can have their uses.  When we ponder alternate actions, thoughts and words that we store for later use in similar situations, they may prove beneficial, especially as we attune to the word of the Holy Spirit in those given moments. 

Today, however, I am indulging in a bit of “what if.” 

At the foster home on this side of the world that CBF personnel and partners have connected with and supported for many years, celebrations have been occurring.This past month, three of the young people have marked milestones in their lives. One of the young men turned 21 and received a diploma after a course of study in auto mechanics. Two of the young women completed high school.

For most of us, these are reasonable expectations and attainments. These young people were born into families influenced by drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, multiple marriages, abuse and more. They had no realistic hope that their lives would look any different. Our local partners, B & J, reached out to people in their communities and began sharing the love of Christ.

The foster home was borne out of their experiences in these communities. Some of the parents began their own relationships with Jesus. Those who did not recognize the potential of what this influence could mean in the lives of their children. They see these accomplishments and take pleasure in them even if they don’t really understand the underlying motivation. Stability, consistency and persistent love go a long way to creating a home.

J & B are the first to tell the children that this all has its beginning, its life and its future in the love of God. These young people have each begun their own relationships and journeys with Jesus. They, too, are learning to credit God with the changes their parents have seen. 

Each of us plays a role in this sharing of the love of God. What if we chose not to? What if J & B had not entered these communities afflicted with so many challenges? What if our prayers and partnerships had not provided encouragement and support that they might do so? What if they had not had the opportunity to experience the love of Jesus through another?

Please hear me when I say that God is able to do all things. In God’s infinite wisdom, God chooses to engage us to be the heart, hands and feet of the good news. In a country where Christians comprise less than 2% of the population, I am offering thanks for all of those who have been heart, hands and feet (right down to the pinky toe) to these young people. It could have been very different. 

Today, these young people celebrate and move forward in the hope and love of Christ.

Mary is a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel serving in Southeast Asia. Learn more about her ministry here.