Monday, August 31, 2009

Give us this day...

During a dinner at the house last week, someone raised a question regarding the differential between the faith of Americans and the faith of Rwandans. Bonita Munyemana quickly (and profoundly) pointed out that Rwandans know they must trust God for food; Americans generally do not. This observation reminds me of my common experience at Sonrise School.


The fishes and the loaves are multiplied. A simple morsel is transformed into a feast. And so it may be even to this day, as a simple bite becomes a joyful, spiritual experience, sitting among poor orphans who somehow seem to know that they are rich beyond measure.

With palpable sincerity they pray “Give us this day our daily bread” and a prayer of thanksgiving,.. and then they receive not only a piece of bread, but also a cup of porridge with sugar added!…and they are overjoyed with the sense that “Life is GOOOOD!” They look upon such provision with great joy and satisfaction, awed by God’s faithfulness and lavish provisions,… and they are fully satisfied. They experience this surrounded by equally joy-filled friends, all considering it a spiritual act of worship, praise, and fellowship.

No feast as great as this has ever been served at Ruth Chris’ or Maxim’s.

Proverbs 17:1; 15:17; 16:8; and others.