Greetings from Luanshya, Zambia!
Schools are closed and everyone is trying to find places to go and things to do. We thank the Lord that the Christian Resource Centre is one of those "places" of choice for some. Because the Reading Room is centrally located, a number of teens have made it their point of presence over the last week and change. Some have come for fellowship while others review school lessons from the previous term while others work on their "holiday" assignments. Then, there are those who help others understand various concepts from lessons. And finally, there are those who park themselves so that they can embark on a few weeks of discovery.
One young teen, we'll call him "N", met Sherry along the roadside while walking Bear, her 3 year-old Labrador. He had heard about the Christian Resource Centre. He had walked by and peeped in the window but hadn't the courage to enter. "N" greeted Sherry and began petting Bear and asking questions about the Christian Resource Centre, the Bible lessons, Bible Class opportunities for he and his friends and other programs that emanate from the facility. Since that day, "N" has been a fixture at the Resource Centre. He has been studying the Bible Correspondence lessons for teens, reading some of the books in the "Youth" section and involving himself in some of the other programs.
The other day "N" asked Sherry if she could explain to him James 1:12 – "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." The conversation then shifted to James 2:12 – "So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free". His concern about the law and liberty was striking. He used an example from his own life and family dynamics. She could see his consternation.
Sherry explained that believers will be judged by the law of liberty, which is the law of love and doing what is right (James 1:25). Believers who practice love (vv. 5, 8) and mercy, will triumph at the judgment seat. Those who have not shown mercy will not receive mercy. Under grace, we are given the power to love our neighbor and are rewarded when we do it. We do it not through fear of punishment, but through love for Him who died for us and rose again. Then she went back to his original question from James 1:12 and shared what the result of "enduring" produces--The believer who endures trials demonstrates that he or she loves Jesus and therefore will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10) at the judgment seat of Christ. The Bible describes the believer's reward (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12)."
She then went on – "How do we react when various forms of testing come into our lives? Do we complain bitterly against the misfortunes of life, or do we rejoice and thank the Lord for them? Do we advertise our trials or do we bear them quietly? Do we live in the future, waiting for our circumstances to improve, or do we live in the present, seeking to see the hand of God in all that comes to us? Do we indulge in self-pity and seek sympathy or do we submerge self in a life of service for others?" "N" left challenged and said he would be back with more questions and he would let Mrs. C. know how his family reacted to his living by faith as opposed to pointing out family members failures, shortcomings and hypocrisy.
As "N" left for the day, he had one more request. He leaves for Youth Camp on Thursday and wants some material and scriptures on personal evangelism to use at camp. He knows that many of his friends will be attending camp but are not believers.
When Sherry came home later that day she said to me: "I live for these moments!"
In His Service,
US
