Coming to a country where English is not the primary language can often be overwhelming. You wonder if you will be understood and if you will be able to get your message across. However a language barrier is nothing that God can’t overcome. Today while teaching a group of 5th through 7th grade boys, I witnessed this firsthand. We spoke to them about strength in God and why there is no fear for those who believe in God. When asked if they had heard of the story of David and Goliath, all of them enthusiastically raised their hands. This was a true joy! In addition to showing excitement for God’s word, it also showed the program had effectively taught them God’s work. Later in the lesson we read Deuteronomy 31:6 (“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”). They repeated the verse after me several times to help them memorize it. Each time they repeated the verse louder and more confidently. Then we tested them to see if they could recite the verse. With slight prompting, the boys all successfully recited the verse. Even though I did not understand the Romanian words used in the verse, seeing God work through them was an amazing display that God’s power and love know no language barrier!
Nathan Daubendiek
Hope Lutheran Church- Rochester, NY
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