“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it’”.
Luke 18:15-16

Having read this verse several times before I thought I had a certain understanding of what our Lord was saying, yet it wasn’t until this past July during a mission trip to Guatemala that I finally understood and had the privilege to experience.
During the months prior to our departure I often wondered what level of help if any we would provide to the people of the villages we were to visit, after all, the trip was just for eight days. Well, the much anticipated moment finally arrived and as we stepped out of the airport we were greeted by the amazing staff of The Arms of Jesus Children’s Mission. Their full welcoming smiles and firm brotherly handshakes affirmed that they were happy to see us and grateful for our presence.
It would be too lengthy to list all the things that God did during that week in Guatemala. Yet among them He provided solid, reliable shelter for three different families in need, one of whom was a widowed mother of three whose husband was killed two years earlier. God also provided clothing, healthcare and various supplies to the school children of the Arms of Jesus School in the village of Parramos. Around 100 non-Christian school children heard the gospel message at a public library, many of whom answered the call for Salvation. During Vacation Bible School in  the remote village of Pampay, God brought incomparable joy to not just the impoverished children, but to every member of our missions trip. His joy, His love and His grace were reflected in the faces of the school children in every aspect of our time spent with them. Whether it was during playtime, music, crafts or Bible lesson, God reminded our team through the children what it means to love unconditionally.
Now being back home as I think back on our time spent in Guatemala, of all the different moments of blessing, answered prayers and unforgettable smiles, what I cherish the most is the gift of seeing the children’s faces light up at the sound of God’s word.
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Although it is impossible for us to step back in time and stand beside Jesus to fully appreciate that moment, I come away knowing that in His grace the team was given the opportunity to see it reflected in the faces of the village children; their undeniable interest to hear His words, their genuine love and desire to draw nearer to Jesus. I thank God that now each time I read this verse, it comes alive with memories of Guatemala.
Please pray for the children of Pampay and for so many others around the world that God may do His work in and through their lives.