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.
