An Enthusiastic World Traveler

By Miriam Tyers (ABWE missionary to Portugal)

I was one of the missionaries at the conference in Oshawa who had the privilege of visiting various public schools. We were told not to overtly "proselytize," but rather to offer the children an educational cross cultural talk, complete with artifacts and pictures, and allow the children to ask questions. We were free to respond to any questions about our work or faith. As part of my talk about Portugal, I explained the symbolism in the flag. One symbol is five dots in a blue shield representing the five wounds of Christ. In each session I would ask, "Who is Christ?"

Invariably at least one child answered with an explanation about Jesus. Then I asked the students about the five wounds. This led to a brief discussion of the crucifixion.

Then I showed them a Portuguese Bible and asked, "Does anyone know what this is?"
" A Bible," one would say.

"Would you like to hear a Bible verse in Portuguese?"
After reading John 3:16 in Portuguese, I ask, "Can anyone translate that into English?"
Usually someone who has attended Sunday school can recite the verse with me.

I included this part of my presentation in each class. The last class I visited was a grade 4 special needs group. The regular teacher and teacher's aide were absent that day. The substitute teachers were trying to start the class when I arrived. I was reminded of popcorn kernels randomly popping as one child settled down only to have another jump out of his seat and cause commotion. I knew this was going to be a challenge.

After listening to the children sing, "Oh Canada," I was on. I started by saying, "You sang
the national anthem better than any class I've been in all week. Give yourselves a pat on the back." Afterward the atmosphere was calm from there on. When I read John 3:16, one of the children requested, "Please read it again!" So, line by line I repeated the verse. I explained the symbols in the Portuguese flag. Then I showed a video of life in Portugal, and asked, "Are there any questions?" Hands flew up. I thought they would ask about the food, clothing, or temperature in Portugal—the usual questions. Instead, the first question was, "Why did Jesus have to die?" I carefully worded my answer. The next question was, "Who killed Him?" Again, I answered.

"How did God create us? Is there really a devil? Are there animals in heaven?" I could see their eagerness to know answers to these important questions. I looked at the teachers; they were nodding their heads. At the conclusion, the children didn't want the "lesson" to stop, but were full of curiosity about eternal things. What had looked like a huge challenge had turned into a wonderful blessing.

All week, the teachers and principals responded: "You can't pay for this kind of education. This is good for the kids. What a great learning experience. Thank you for sharing your time, your work, and your experiences with my class."

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