Sunday, July 20, 2014

The Lord has shown me many beautiful things!



I am humbled again to be in Middelburg, South Africa with the St. Peter mission team.  Our trip has just begun, and I am reminded of the beauty that only comes from the Father.  Each day, I’d like to tell you about a beautiful thing I’ve seen…
Teacher Hazel
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
Teacher Hazel is the secretary at St. Peter Christian College in Middelburg.  This morning in church, tears instantly came to my eyes when I saw her for the first time since arriving.  This woman is beautiful!  Yes, she has outer beauty, a huge, white smile, beautifully braided hair, classy clothing, and stunning eyes.  But what made tears run down my face this morning is the beauty that is in her heart.  She loves the Lord, and so graciously loves His people.  Every Sunday morning, you will find her dancing and singing in the first row at St. Peter Church.  Surrounding her are over forty children who she encourages throughout the service to sing with her and join in worshipping the Savior.  If you’ve ever experienced being around forty little ones at a time, you mostly likely have also experienced chaos, stress, noise, and constant movement.  But that is not the case with the children who sit around Hazel.  They listen to God’s Word and Teacher Hazel’s helpful explanations.  They sit quietly, or sing, or pray, or dance at all the right times. They know and can feel Teacher Hazel’s love for them, as she guides them through the service.  Through her joy, kindness, and patience, they feel the love of Jesus.  It’s beautiful.