I’ve worked in the corporate world all my life and never imagined the Lord would find me useful in ministering to children. Surprisingly, they like playing with me and I love playing with them.

I came to Japan last year to teach English to women and children; it’s a vehicle for sharing Jesus Christ. In each class we teach English for 45–50 minutes, then do a Bible talk during the last 10–15 minutes. I teach an adult women’s class on my own, but most of the time I help Ruth, our missionary host, teach English to different levels of children, including preschoolers in a nearby Anglican school. I prepare materials or activities and do them together with Ruth, or I am a shadow teacher. But whatever I do, my heart is just so drawn to the children.

I find it physically and emotionally challenging to manage their limited attention span, marshal them, or even be referee their disagreements. I was never trained for this. Yet the joy of being with them is incomprehensible.

Some kids come early and just love to be hugged (and receive popcorn!). After class, while their moms and grandmas chat, I play tag, help them do mini-bouldering, race on bikes and scooters around the church’s parking lot, or just babysit. I have also developed friendships with some moms and shared the gospel with them. I do all this with the strength and love of Christ flowing through me to them all.

The kids and their parents hear about God’s love for them in Jesus Christ through the Bible talks, they also see and feel it through us. What a priceless investment of time and energy! Pray for them to come, kids and parents together, and know Jesus!

By Em, an OMF Serve Asia Worker

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