The “Lion of Judah” in the “Lion’s Den”

This past week one of our prayer supporters inadvertently referred to our Lion Sighting blog as the Lion’s Den. We chucked at the mix-up but also commented that the Lion of Judah often operates in the lion’s dens of this world, showing His power and majesty while protecting His own and drawing others into His family.

The Values Education Class  (VEC) of Chris, one of our VOICE staff, is a good example. Since he is becoming more involved in training, we suggested that he seek an opportunity to teach a VEC in a school near to where he lives. Such experience will help him share more knowledgeably to those he explains the ministry to as well as in the trainings. Little did we know what kind of experience God had in mind.

Chris took up the challenge and sought a church that would partner with him in the neighborhood. Pastor Theo joined him and they visited two schools in their area. Both were “positive” but had reasons why they couldn’t give them a weekly schedule right away. So they went on to a third near-by school which neither of them knew anything about. They were met by the Director of Studies and soon learned his name…an M name. It was then that Chris began to notice the holy book of that religion prominently displayed in various places; he later learned that the school was founded by that religion. After Chris explained the program, showed the curriculum, and gave him a Scope and Sequence of the Obedience module, he seemed open but also somewhat hesitant. Chris correctly guessed that he assumed there would be payment expected from the school for such services. As soon as he learned it was a free service, he immediately turned to their time table on the wall and gave them the P5 (grade 5) class to teach and a day and time!

When Chris and the pastor returned the following day to deliver a formal letter of request for permission, they met the Head Teacher (principal). She quickly revealed that she was a Christian and viewed her position as a strategic opportunity to be salt and light in the school. But she also expressed deep disappointment with “Christians” in the community. “The other religion pays workers to go to the schools and teach their doctrine—where are the Christians? You are a great answer to prayer—finally some Christians that care and are available to shine for Jesus and teach truth to the pupils.”

The Director of Studies joined them again and announced that he wanted both the P5 and P6 pupils to be taught and he wanted it to be taught twice a week, starting that very day. He changed the time slot to be a class during which pupils can decide if they want to be taught about Christianity or the other religion.

Unfortunately Pastor Theo backed out with the excuse being that language/English was a problem. But Chris, with his trust in the Lord, went ahead with his 62 pupils…about half calling themselves Christians. At first some from the other religion left the class but when they heard singing, they returned, stayed, and joined the 2^nd class from beginning to end! Chris taught again today but so far we don’t have an update…stay tuned!

Praise our God that He is unhindered in His relentless desire that all men come to repentance and be saved. As you pray for much lasting fruit from this unique VEC, please also pray that a church in that area will partner with Chris and that God will open their eyes to the huge potential of such a weekly ministry.