Walking Worthy of Their Calling

“When I was winding through the red dirt roads of Budondo, just about to enter the James place gates for the first time, I had no idea how much love was overflowing from the hearts of those inside.” 

Spending six weeks of my summer with Heal Ministries was a time of personal growth,  refinement, and most of all- being poured into with love. On multiple occasions, the Heal staff would greet me with “you are most welcome here”. Whether it was the pottery, leather, or preschool department, the staff would pull up a seat for me, and teach me skills the Lord has given them. The pottery ladies taught me how to smooth wet clay, the leather staff taught me how to cut leather and sew journals, the teachers taught me the curriculum and best instructional approaches. As I spent time with each person, learning their stories and seeing their hearts, I thought about Paul, a missionary for Christ, and his words to the church at Ephesus…

“I therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.” ~Ephesians 4:1-2

The Heal Ministries staff are a true reflection of what Paul called the church to do: walk worthy to which you have been called with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. The staff understand what God did for us through his Son Jesus, and so they have a natural, humble, servant heart and love for others. The teachers so evidently portrayed gentleness and patience when it took a child many tries to draw a circle, when over five hundred tiny beads fell to the floor, or when we took multiple trips to the restroom within a half hour. The teachers also loved sharing their samosas and pancakes with me!

Above all, the staff walk worthy of their calling by honoring God above all. Every moment, whether small or large, is pointed back to Christ. My favorite moment was Friday morning worship where everyone gathered and worshiped together. Tiny feet jumping, hands drumming, and voices singing out to our God. There is no greater joy than to experience the body of Christ united as one, giving all praise to our creator, sustainer, and savior. 

The overflowing love I experienced was simply because the staff walk worthy of their calling and God’s love shines through each of their hearts.

-Eden Seccombe