Love That Shines

Dear children,

let's not merely say that we love each other;

let us show the truth by our actions.

1 John 3:18 (New Living Translation)

There is nothing more exciting than to see God’s people come together and share their love. I’ve been blessed with two opportunities to see this in action during the last two days!

The first was yesterday in my second grade classroom. One of my goals as a Christian school teacher, in addition to the academic goals, is to help my students learn how to love God and love other people (Luke 10:27). As a practical way to extend our earth science unit, I invited some guests to share how people in some rural African villages don’t have access to safe, clean water. One of our science experiments involved making a filter to clean the water and, when the children found that they could purchase a real water filter for an African family for $25 and provide them with clean water, they were eager to help. When they found that a village well could be repaired for $250 and provide water for an entire village, they were even more motivated. Many of the children found sponsors (parents, grandparents, neighbors) who pledged money for each minute the children read during our three months winter reading

incentive. When the children brought in their money and we counted it yesterday, we found that they had raised over $700 to provide clean water to people living in some of these rural villages. I was so touched to see that some of the children gave their own money for this cause. They are learning that they can make a difference – they’re making the world a better place and shining their love.

This evening was also a special occasion filled with light. Hundreds of people gathered at our

local high school to share their love for a family that has been shining for four years amidst the trial of cancer. This family has been a living testimony to God’s faithfulness during diagnosis, treatments, and the very real “why” questions that have arisen on their journey. Tonight was a time for friends and family to share our love for them as we raised money to help with their expenses. There were lots of activities for all ages: games and face painting for the kids, a silent auction and raffle, a baked goods sale, and a delicious supper. It was truly a joy-filled evening with everyone having a fun time. It was so exciting to see all the smiling, happy people. This is what being the body of Christ is all about.

Kristi’s motto throughout this journey has been “Courage to Shine.” She continues to live out this motto each day. May we all have the courage to shine for God – showing our love for Him and for others.