A Canopy of Coverage

A Canopy of Coverage

Theology in the Trenches

By Kathleen Kjolhaug

 

      (This column is a reflection from the service trip taken to a children’s home, Homes of Life, in Atenas Costa Rica.)

 

The lush green tones of the canopied walkway of the children’s home hung in beauty as the rays of sunlight poked through spilling shadows of light onto the cement below. The walkway lead to home number one, connected with home number two, and with a final loop included home number three. The sacred work gathered under the roof of each home brought security to the children. This was their shelter. Shelter from brokenness displaying itself in just a few short years of their lives, and it was the norm. No, it wasn’t the norm, it was their reality. The children ranged from birth to seven and each one had a need. Perhaps the need was faith. Perhaps the need was hope. Perhaps the need was love.

 

The Homes of Life in Atenas offers restoration. Little souls find themselves in the midst of caregivers who not only care, but truly love them. This gated community holds the Song of Songs poured forth in healing to all who enter. His word is made flesh as the workers minister in thought, word, and deed. Meeting for prayer each morning with staff, children, and volunteers ushers in the day making it clear just whose day it is…and the canopy continues to cover.

 

Food prepared for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serves to remind little tummies that their needs will be met.  Play time brings a safe haven of expounding energy as a game of soccer kicks in right next to those choosing to play house. Still others gather upon the swings and teeter totters to bring life to their little atrophied muscles. Friendly shouts of joy are heard beneath the mango trees as their play unites each home…and the canopy continues to cover.

 

Bedtime prayers greet the darkness after clean pajamas find their way onto each child. Blankies tucked in draw comfort upon those who need it most. Care givers tidy up for a new day which will soon be upon each…and as dreams restore little minds with a good night’s sleep…the canopy continues to cover.

 

The twelve volunteers who came to serve drop their guard as they see faith in action. Whatever expectations each had before leaving the states are now long gone as nothing could prepare hearts for what is unfolding before them. They make way for His ways over their own as servant hood turns into restoration…and the canopy continues to cover.

 

The Lord has His way with each who passes through this compound…and…have His way He does. It is in hearing the word that we are healed. Was it the testimony of Tim, the director of the home telling of how God has made Himself known? Was it the testimony of Dena, Tim’s wife, while at her feet we were challenged in listening to and hearing His voice? Was it the testimony of Helen, another staff member, encouraging us in prayer? Was it the pastor’s sermon translated into English on Sunday morning which connected us with 1^st and 2^nd Kings…the same books given to us to read before we left the U.S. by a caller in the states who never calls?

 

It matters not with whom He chooses to make Himself known...but what matters is the canopy of covering as our walls tumble down so He may bring restoration. And…as he brings it…we receive it.

 

As Helen shared from Isaiah 55:11, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”  Amen.