But When Did We Give You a Cup of Water?

"And I will say to them, What you did for the least of these, my brothers, you have done it to me?"
So when is the last time you had ice in your drink? What do you think it would be like to have never had ice in your drink? Now, Africa is changing some and advances in the last 5 years like electricity and refrigeration have made cold drinks available, yet still expensive. Imagine 15-20 years ago, as a little kid playing outside all day what you would really want more than anything.

Meet Felix. He was such a blessing to get to know this summer. He is 23 years old, the same as me, and had just finished nursing school. We got the chance to talk about length several times about the reality of growing up in Africa, the problems facing Africa now, and how we can both give our lives however separately to accomplishing the same thing.

Felix was just like every other kid in Nalerigu. His father died at a young age, when Felix was only 9, and his mother was forced to work hours away in a mine because she had no education. During all this, Felix like most of the kids in town would spend time hanging around the missionaries' houses, playing soccer on the only open areas of grass, etc. One thing that stuck out in Felix's mind was how much it impacted his life to simply go to the missionaries' house because they had cold water. Not only did they have cold water, they had open hearts. They had children's songs that teach the truth, the had bible stories that built a foundation. Felix's story is like so many children's-he was exposed to the Gospel as a child through songs and storytime, but grew up in a hostile family. For Felix, his father was dead which had it's own set of problems, but did give him the freedom to decide for himself. So often children growing up in different family traditions, can make decisions about what they believe when they get away for secondary school or university.

Felix has gone on to overcome unbelievable circumstances, financial and health problems, to finish nursing school. Now he has turned down more lucrative jobs because he believes his own village, his people, need him. Felix is standing at brink of an incredible generation about to bring some changes in Africa and he loves Jesus like crazy. Because of some cups of water and kids songs, countless children have stepped from darkness into light. Because of open hands and willing feet people have been loved, and that love will last forever.

So, know anyone who is thirsty?