Every time I enter one of our schools and greet a class or observe a lesson I wonder, "How many Esthers are sitting in this room?" The students at the Lifeway Christian Academies are orphaned and vulnerable children living in the compounds of Lusaka. Although they do not have ideal home situations, these kids have sponsors and loving teachers who care for and nurture them.
Last week I observed a grade 3 class, and the teacher was handing out stickers to students as they participated in class. She handed one of the girls a butterfly sticker and said, "Here is a butterfly sticker. Today you are spreading your wings and soon you will fly. One day you may be a teacher or a doctor or the president!" Then the teacher had the class give the girl a clap for the wonderful things she could become. The girl's smile lit up the room. I'm so thankful to work with teachers like this one who believe in our students. I love knowing the possibilities God has for these children are not limited by how their lives began, just like He had an unbelievable plan for Esther.
to serve You and all the world's people
who live and die in loneliness, hunger, poverty, and sickness.
Give them through our hands this day their daily bread,
and by our understanding love,
give them peace and joy.
Amen."
-Norman Shawchuck and Reuben P. Job, "A Guide to Prayer for All God's People"