Jennifer Foster, Brazil
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
John 17:3
Three mornings a week, I hold a Bible study for the youth in our Amazon jungle church. I recall two instances that clearly demonstrate why we are called to make disciples—especially of children.
The clothing of the children in the Amazon is very ragged and worn down, since it has literally been passed down through as many as 10 siblings. Once they complete a full Bible study course, the youth get to pick a shirt or pair of shorts from the clothing prize box.
A little after dark one day, I heard a faint knock at my door. It was José, a 12-year-old who had acquired a pair of shorts from the box. With his shorts presented in his outstretched hands, he shyly said, “Missionary, I was wondering if I could trade my shorts?” And then, with the most humble expression I’ve ever seen on anyone’s face, he said, “I’d like to trade my shorts for a Bible. May I please trade these so I can have a Bible of my own?”
Tears filled my eyes. This young man was willing to trade his most prized possession for a Bible! I promised José he could keep his shorts, and that the next time I was in the city I’d get him his own Bible.
In Hebrews 4:12 we read that God’s Word is “alive and active.” God also promises us that His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:10–11), as the case of José abundantly proves. What an excellent reminder to us of the power of the Living Word, the Bible.
On another afternoon, a little girl came to my jungle home and asked me a simple question: “Will you come eat lunch with us?” After arriving and finding a seat on the floor, ready to begin the meal, I realized all eyes were on me. I was the guest of honor!
After the meal, her mother pulled me aside and said, “Missionary, I want to tell you why you were our guest of honor today. My little girl has been coming to your discipleship course. Each day after class she brings home that little Bible you gave her, sits down all of her brothers and sisters, and teaches them everything you taught her. They have all received Jesus into their hearts. Our home now has Light!”
A little Light can make a big difference. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world. We can be that light because He is the True Light, and we have been made in His image (Genesis 1:26–27). Your Light can make a difference.
Today, why don’t you share the Word of God with someone, even if it’s just a verse or two? You never know, the Word you share may be even more valuable to them than their most prized possession.