Like Children

by Allison Anderson, EM Full-Time Volunteer in Costa Rica

This week I have been reminded to have childlike faith. One of my favorite parts of leading summer mission trip teams in Costa Rica is always getting to work with the local children for Kids Club. I love hearing them sing along to the songs and laugh, seeking the smile that even the most simple craft will bring to their faces and their eagerness to help with whatever activity we are doing. They have a sense of innocence and joy that cannot fully be explained.

In Matthew 18, Jesus talks with the disciples about the childlike faith he calls us to possess. "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

Jesus calls us to become like children. Children have an imagination and an enthusiasm that I believe we lose as adults unless we hold onto it. Jesus calls us to have faith that is unhindered, that knows no barriers and that is passionate in our pursuit of him. May I remember this as I seek to have faith like a child.

One of our first weeks in Costa Rica I had to go to the pulpería to buy some items for the cooks for lunch. I said hello as I went in to a group of 3 girls who had been at Kids Club earlier in the week. As I came out of the pulperia with my groceries, one of the girls, Emili, handed me a paleta (popsicle) and said that she had bought it for me. I was struck by this little girl's generosity and the smile that was brought to her face in giving someone a gift. She did something simple yet it truly showed Jesus to me.

May I give to others with the same enthusiasm and joy. May I seek opportunities to bring a smile to another's face and may I find contentment in serving others instead of being served.

LEARN MORE | Bring your team to serve on a Mission Trip to Costa Rica in 2016!

You must have a group size of at least 6 members to join this trip. Please view the Small Team trips or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414.

View Small Team Trips

For most trips, you must have a group size of at least 6 members. Please view the Small Teams tab on each Community page or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414.