Going into a communist country for the first time, a country that is approximately 80 percent Buddhist and whose language I can’t speak, I was unsure as to how I could possibly be a witness to the needy people. I prayed desperately and the Lord told me to wear a cross.

Stepping into a government-run orphanage overflowing with more than 70 children, from newborn to teenagers, my heart broke. I wanted to make everything right for them. But what can you do when you have just a few hours with these children?

I asked the Lord to make me sensitive to His Spirit and to use my time to show appreciation, to love on the babies and to bring God’s love to the lost and lonely teenagers, those who will soon have to leave the only place they call home and face the world.

I was soon surrounded by humble young girls who wanted to understand my world and where I came from. It was so much fun communicating via hand motions and digital pictures, and with love as a universal language, we were soon embracing each other, laughing and having fun.

One girl had a notebook with English sentences and wanted me to help her pronounce her words. She seemed motivated and had a desire to do something with her life. She was going to move out of the orphanage soon and had an opportunity to go to culinary class. Determined to learn English, she pointed to my cross and asked, “Jesus?” “Yes, Jesus!” I responded. I then drew a picture in her notebook of Jesus coming into a heart.

Somehow, she and her other two friends understood, so I motioned with my hands to ask if they wanted to pray. We bowed our heads and they repeated my prayer to ask Jesus into their hearts. I’m not sure how much they comprehended, but I know without a doubt that Jesus heard their heart cry and came into their humble hearts.

“My soul shall make its boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear of it, and be glad.” (Psalm 34:2).

From my experience, the teenagers are usually the most neglected and often there is no strategic plan to help them become independent and transition into the adult world. That is why Buckner transitional homes have proven to be one of our most fruitful ministries, as they help lost teens find purpose and opportunity in life.

Leslie Chace serves as Buckner director for international ministry development.

Prayers for the Week:
- God, may we always be in tune to your direction and ready to share of you.
- God, please continue showing Buckner how best to serve teenagers who are getting ready to transition into adulthood. Use us to provide a way for them to be capable and independent.

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If you are interested in submitting a devotional for Buckner Faith Focus, please write to Aschremmer@buckner.org.

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