The greatest gift any teacher can have is not just for his students to understand and learn what he is teaching but for them to turn around and share that knowledge with others.
We were blessed to see that happen last month.
Over the eight years that we have served at the orphanage Fundañinos, the primary focus of our ministry has been to impart the truth, knowledge, and understanding of scripture to the children. We have done this repeatedly through Bible classes, devotionals, small groups, summer camps, and VBS. Christ tells us in Matthew 5:19 that if you want greatness in the Kingdom of God, it comes from practicing and teaching His commandments.
After praying and looking for an opportunity for the teenagers at the home to serve others, we decided to invite them to be involved in and lead a service project at our community center in Colonia Santa Fe.
Sharie took some time to plan the program, explain how the “VBS” would work, and divide the responsibilities between the youth. Our theme this year has been Psalm 23 and knowing God as our good shepherd. After that, it was entirely up to them to learn the content, prepare the material, organize the activities, and lead the program for 33 second—and third-graders who participate in our after-school programs in Colonia Santa Fe.
Life can often be somewhat isolated for kids living in an orphanage. Most of them live, play, go to school, and interact almost entirely with the other children at the orphanage. Merely engaging with kids from another environment is sometimes awkward. Asking them to step outside of their comfort zone to lead a class, hold a mic, explain verses, and organize games was a big but much-needed step forward.
Needless to say, they did amazing! While many of them were a little shy at first, as the program moved on, their confidence built. Each of them had learned their part of the class correctly. No one got stage fright or refused to participate. Many of them demonstrated assurance and boldness as they engaged with the children. In truth they did a wonderful job.
It is one thing to be taught God’s word; it is quite another to teach it. Explaining something we have learned to others helps reinforce it in our minds.
Surgical residency programs often utilize the philosophy of “See one, Do one, Teach one,” we have found this to be an effective methodology in our work.
The part that I loved the most and that really touched me was seeing the students help the little kids with their crafts. Assisting with cutting and coloring, lending their artistic talent, and being willing to get involved as the small children came up to them for help, and watching them make friends, smile, and laugh with children they had only just met filled me with joy.
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