The unexpected outcome

Her words gave me goosebumps. They hit me.  I had not expected this....

A few years ago, we started setting up the adult literacy course in Kwanjana. A method, a teacher and now the students. We needed some materials. Before we knew it, the first students were in class.

Of course, the programme also had its challenges. Some were embarrassed. They preferred not to show themselves in class. Others had to do the class twice, but held out hope that one day they would be able to read! Some had other pursuits during class hours and rarely showed up. All did not go smoothly.

Together with university students, we did a campaign in the village. By car, including a car-battery sound system, we drove through the village to proclaim to people the importance of reading and writing. One of the ladies who had successfully completed the course gave a speech.

It seemed to work for a while and more people came to the course. After a few weeks, the number dropped from at least 30 to 12 students. Still some people wanted to but dropped out. I was about to close the class. But, the shepherd left the flock for the sake of 1 sheep. You may know that story. So much love for the individual. God has the individual at heart. Jesus came to this world, and died on the cross. We can't quite comprehend such great love. Jesus had the woman at the well in mind. It always touches me so much that Jesus was there for people, not observing so many cultural or religious rules, but seeing the human being.

From that motivation, filled with the Holy Spirit, I should serve every day in Kwanjana. But sometimes I give up. It is too difficult. But even in that, I have to see precisely the individual among the group. The one person who can now read the Bible, and also read it aloud. Her words touched me. People have changed because they can now read. They can read the Bible and they have a different position in the church. One person told me that she now knows which minibus goes to which place. 

Among all the mistakes, we can see that it works! There are people who are changing! It may be slow, but there is progress. People are changing. I got goosebumps. I thank God. He is working on. Even for that one sheep that went astray.