The Kindness of the King

By an Alliance global teammate

“Our people never do things like this; everyone will be suspicious.”

One of my English language students seemed uneasy as we set out in our neighborhood to spread kindness to strangers. In a country where it is assumed that everyone cares only for themselves, random acts of kindness would be considered odd. The default mentality here is “If I am looking out just for myself, others must be acting the same way.”

Our adventure started when a teacher in our English program suggested having a monthly theme, the first one chosen was kindness. During each class, a brief story about kindness was read and discussed. The concept was new to the students, and each story gave them a glimpse of what kindness looks like.

At the end of month, we decided to go into the neighborhood in groups to perform random acts of kindness. Our group of six students and two teachers was apprehensive but decided to buy pastries and distribute them to passersby. Heading toward a busy traffic circle, we offered pastries to surprised, but grateful, people.

Then one student had the idea to stop a taxi and pay the fare for the customers. We also gave pastries to the people in the taxi. Kindness was growing in our students. As we headed back to the community center, we continued to distribute the pastries.

“Why are you doing this?” people asked. The students replied, “We’re learning about kindness.” Smiles started appearing on our students’ faces, courage grew—and kindness spread!

In a society where mistrust and suspicion undermine many relationships, our English language learners experienced a taste of the Kingdom. We can’t speak openly about the Lord of kindness in the classroom, but we can show them through our actions that He is “the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth” (Jeremiah 9:24).

It is through your gifts to the Great Commission Fund that I am able to minister in this country, where the people are longing to be shown the love of God through His son, Jesus.

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