“Auntie, do you want the last strawberry?” asked 12-year-old Jackson.
It was the kind of strawberry you might find squished at the bottom of the container. If you saw its soft, dull red flesh, you’d probably put the container back on the store display and select another.
But to Jackson and the other kids on the Frontiers team I was visiting in South Asia, that strawberry was like gold. Strawberries were so precious to them that they’d savor each one slowly, deliberately.
As Jackson held the sad, overripe strawberry before me, I realized that this was a tangible expression of the Gospel. Jackson stood to lose something he really wanted to savor. And it helped me see what it means to sacrifice for the Kingdom of God.
Fortunately for him, I refused the delicacy. Jackson smiled and immediately bit into it.
The Gospel was on full display as I witnessed these kids living without the things so many of us take for granted.
For Jackson and so many other children of field workers, loss and sacrifice are part of daily life. But so is the joy of being a part of God’s wonderful plan to draw Muslims into the Kingdom.
During three weeks in South Asia, I visited three different Frontiers teams in three different cities. I spent time with 34 third culture kids like Jackson—children living in places outside their parents’ passport countries. The Gospel was on full display as I witnessed these kids living without many of the things so many of us take for granted.
Hot showers and a cockroach-free home? Unlikely.
Going for a walk in the park? Only if the gate is unlocked and if the pollution level is low enough that you don’t need to wear a face mask.
Security that you and your family will stay as long as you’d like? Nope.
While I was there, one family was informed by local government officials that they had three days to leave—72 hours to pack up years of life, make travel arrangements, and say goodbyes.
These families are familiar with suffering. But in each home I visited, I saw that discomfort hadn’t robbed them of joy. Instead, Frontiers children were embracing life-giving attitudes of gratitude. They gave thanks for canned black beans, chocolate chips, going out for ice cream, playing games with local friends, and making silly movies.
Such joy and thanksgiving will help keep them moving forward in the task of reaching the 1.8 billion Muslims who don’t yet know Jesus Christ.
Whether we’re called to the field or not, God has given each of us unique roles in the Great Commission. For me, it’s helping children like Jackson thrive overseas.
These glimpses into their lives encourage me to pray for Frontiers families. Please join in asking God to bless them—and pray that the Lord would send even more laborers for the harvest.
A field worker family’s new baby brings blessings and Muslim neighbors to their home.
This account comes from a Frontiers worker serving in the TCK ministry. Names and places have been changed for security.