Jesus Loves the Little Children...

 ... a message from Rachel

In Mark 9:37, Jesus says: “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the one who sent Me, the Father.” 

Our time here at Kudjip is a fresh and daily reminder that ALL children should be viewed through the eyes of Jesus – with love, care and compassion …. They are HIS beautiful and unique creation.

It has been a source of joy for us to reconnect with our Papuan friends here at Kudjip. There are many afternoons where the children are beckoned through open windows by sing-song voices: “Pen-nie … Sol-o-mon … can you play today?”  There are a few PNG friends in particular who remember Pennie & Solomon from our last trip in 2023.  In spite of two years passing, they have all picked up right where they left off.  Solomon and his friends enjoy a variety of activities together: throwing spears, playing soccer, building forts, and catching lizards and bugs. Pennie and her tribe of friends (who are all at least a year or two older than her) play card games together, swing in the hammocks, and play catch together.  

This past week I had the opportunity to go and guest lecture at the local Teacher’s College.  On Monday, I spoke to all of the Third-Year students, and on Friday I spoke to the entire student body (438 students) about strategies for the inclusion of Special Needs students in the classroom.  It is only in the last few years that PNG Education Policy has made a shift towards a more Inclusive Education.  Many of you who know me well are aware of my passion for accommodating and advocating for students with disabilities.  Needless to say, I was ecstatic about the chance to use my education and experience to impact the next generation of teachers in Papua New Guinea.  Many educational disabilities in PNG go undiagnosed, and most teachers are not trained or motivated to accommodate children with learning differences.  My prayer is that God would use the words I shared to light a spark of creativity and empathy in these future teachers, in the hope that they would no longer view children with special needs as a problem or burden in their classrooms, but rather see the precious unlocked potential in each of them. 

  

The Teacher's College - Students, Staff & Administration

Third Year Teacher's College Students

Speaking about advocating for & accommodating students with disabilities

There is a woman that we know here in PNG who lives out Mark 9:37 - Every. Single. Day.  Years ago, Pastor Ruth and her husband saw the need and felt the call to serve local orphans who had been adversely affected by having parents with HIV.  There is a great stigma associated with HIV in Papua New Guinea culture.  If a parent was too sick to care for a child or passed away, many relatives turn their backs on the child because of the disease of the parent.  Pastor Ruth and her family built a home and school where these children can be raised surrounded by love, rather than fear and prejudice.  Not too long ago, Ruth’s husband passed away suddenly – leaving her as the sole provider and caretaker for the orphanage ministry that they began together. After ten years since our last visit with Pastor Ruth, a few days ago we were able to bring a truck load of groceries and reunite with this amazing woman of God at her orphanage.  We were greeted by children running around freely, BIG hugs, and tear-filled laughter and smiles from Ruth.  The work she does is an inspiration and challenge to us all… to truly show that Jesus indeed loves ALL the little children.  

With Pastor Ruth at the orphanage

Solomon speaking the universal language of soccer with some of the children at the orphanage

Pennie holding hands and walking with a sweet little girl who would not leave her side.

Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” 

by talking a good game is self-deceived. 

This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. 

REAL religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: 

Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, 

and guard against corruption from the world.  

James 1:26-27 (MSG)