When Libby and I had finished our tour of the school grounds we went and sat on a bench in the back of the crowd. But then…unbeknown to us…we were escorted to the stage and were to become part of the honored guests. I cannot tell you how uncomfortable I felt. Here we sat in a place of honor for nothing we had done! Unprepared and not dressed properly. They gave us decorated medallions, sang songs to us and mentioned CSB-Dr and BGR in their speeches, thanking God for us.
Philippians 2:2, “I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind.” (GNT)
Philippians 2:2, “I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind.” (GNT)
As the ceremonies began, music crackled on a loud speaker powered by a generator loaned to them by our team, the crowd stilled, the parents then walked together with their child in the commencement; I began to see something so different than the schools in California. Honor, respect, and a love of family and God; was everywhere to be seen. These public schools were centered in the Lord. They opened in prayer, closed in prayer, gave out awards for honesty, trustworthy behavior, and outstanding pupils in kindness to others and on and on it went. The parents stood by their children pinning on ribbons and placing medallions around their necks…because schooling is a family effort entrusted to them by God.
Psalm 119:9-16, “How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. I’ll transfer to my lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth; I delight far more in what you tell me about living than in gathering a pile of riches. I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you; I attentively watch how you’ve done it. I relish everything you’ve told me of life, I won’t forget a word of it.” (MSG)
These children at the first school sat in the morning sun for 2 1/2 hours without complaint as sweat poured down their hot precious faces. The girls wore their best dresses and stockings with heels. The boys had long sleeve shirts and slacks with shoes too big so there was room for growth. They presented speeches of gratitude to God and family praising Him for getting them through the trying year and thanking him for his faithfulness. Songs were sung of pursuing through the storm of Typhoon Yolanda and how it had made them stronger. I was amazed at the standard of respect, honor and integrity that I had the privilege to experience.
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)
Libby and I were humbled beyond words that I cannot express due to the honors that were bestowed on us…but here is the reality we… did not do anything to complete these projects. We were there to represent those who had gone before us. The sweat, determination, skill and love they gave to the teachers and students of the two school graduations we attended.
James 2:24, ”You can now see that we please God by what we do and not only by what we believe.” (CEV)
Then came the most unexpected surprise…2 hours in they had us get up and we were then escorted to a classroom that was laid out with food. We sat down and visited with the teachers and then in walked two young men carrying a 4 foot long item that was dripping and wrapped in cardboard. They placed it on the center of the food table, unwrapped it and there before us…laid a whole roasted pig!! There was no way that we could leave or refuse this honor…we sat and as I choked back my tears of awe, I was struck by a scripture
1 Corinthians 9:25, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (NIV)
1 Peter 5:2-4, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” (NLT)
But then another verse came to me, and I know the type of team members that served before me…they would have thrown back their crowns too… and I wanted to throw back the crowns that I was receiving at the feet of those who had gone before us…
Revelation 4:9-11, “The four living creatures sing songs of glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever. When they do so, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They throw their crowns down in front of the throne and say,
“Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. For you created all things, and by your will they were given existence and life.” (GNT)
"We Fall Down" by Chris Tomlin
We fall down
We lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of
Mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus
And we cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb
When we do anything for those who are in need…no matter what part of the comfort or restoration we provide…we do it as one…all part of the mission serving as one body.
So thank you team’s 2&3 for the hearts of service; the Pork was great!
Then came the most unexpected surprise…2 hours in they had us get up and we were then escorted to a classroom that was laid out with food. We sat down and visited with the teachers and then in walked two young men carrying a 4 foot long item that was dripping and wrapped in cardboard. They placed it on the center of the food table, unwrapped it and there before us…laid a whole roasted pig!! There was no way that we could leave or refuse this honor…we sat and as I choked back my tears of awe, I was struck by a scripture
1 Corinthians 9:25, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (NIV)
1 Peter 5:2-4, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” (NLT)
But then another verse came to me, and I know the type of team members that served before me…they would have thrown back their crowns too… and I wanted to throw back the crowns that I was receiving at the feet of those who had gone before us…
Revelation 4:9-11, “The four living creatures sing songs of glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever. When they do so, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They throw their crowns down in front of the throne and say,
“Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. For you created all things, and by your will they were given existence and life.” (GNT)
"We Fall Down" by Chris Tomlin
We fall down
We lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of
Mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus
And we cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb
When we do anything for those who are in need…no matter what part of the comfort or restoration we provide…we do it as one…all part of the mission serving as one body.
So thank you team’s 2&3 for the hearts of service; the Pork was great!
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