Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tammy Roby):
During our recent trip to Sudan I was moved during a visit to the Camboni boys’ boarding school in Narus. The school compound was surrounded by a fence that was in serious need of repair. On the inside of the fence were 915 students ranging in age from 5 to over 20 years old. The school was staffed with only 20 full time teachers.
The boys were so excited to see visitors that they came running toward the bus. As we exited the bus, small children looked at us with wide eyes and out stretched hands. As we entered a dark classroom, our hosts had moved to one side of the room so that we could sit with them. The desks were in need of repair, and the chalkboard had been written on and erased so many times it was difficult to read.
As our meting with the environmental club began, they discussed their efforts to increase shade with planting of trees. One young gentleman, a tall lanky boy, spoke about the challenges they faced in planting and nurturing the newly planted trees. After the meeting we were invited to tour the schoolyard where the trees had been planted. During the tour, the outspoken young man from the classroom told us his story. He stated that he had served in the military and was now coming back to school in his 20’s. He and his two brothers were all in Primary School Level 8. During this dialog he was asked if he planned to go to secondary school next year. To our surprise, he paused and the responded with, “I hope to.”
Boys from the Camboni School.
The tree seedlings need protection from the scorching sun.
Education is a luxury in Sudan. Many families cannot afford to feed their children, so the cost of schooling is out of the question. Even the children who attend school have very little opportunity unless they choose to leave their families, as the employment opportunities within Sudan are limited. But even with such dismal conditions surrounding the school, the attitude of the school children was upbeat. The children were eager to learn and to grow.
The students at the boy’s school had hope for a better life. They reminded us to recognize and be thankful for our blessings. They showed us that faith can bring light to any darkness. The boys we met were making the best of what they were given even though they faced adversity daily.
Every day I interact with people who face much less adversity in their lives than these boys do, but do not realize just how blessed by God they are. Each of us can learn a lesson from the Sudanese about how faith in God gives us the hope of a better tomorrow.
Thought for the day: “Afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair…” Thank you, God, for this hope we have in You.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.