LEARNING TO LOVE

I remember hearing about a man who had served in ministry for many years. One day he had an experience with the Lord in which the Lord asked, “Did you learn to love?”

Having Kai Kow live with me the past few months has challenged and stretched me in ways I never would have expected. While both of Kai Kow’s parents are living and are even currently together, he has not always lived with his parents and has grown up in many ways like an orphan- living with his grandmother when he was young, and then later living in the temple as a novice monk. In primary school he was also placed as a special-ed student. In some ways he is like any typical teenager his age, but in other ways his mental and emotional capacity is like that of a young child -thus requiring much patience and love on my end.  

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” -1 Corinthians 13:4-7

From teaching him to clean up after himself, to providing for his daily needs, to caring for him when he got sick, and bringing correction when he disobeys or has a bad attitude, taking Kai Kow in to live with me has been in many ways like raising a child of my own. As challenging as it is at times, I know that God has been using it to refine me and to further develop the heart of the Father in me. I’m also thankful for the glimpes of hope and light, as I see God working. In the last two months Kai Kow has told me several times about the happiness he experiences when singing worship songs to God. He also enjoys praying together every morning (though it takes a little effort sometimes to wake him up), and often asks to come to my room to pray together at night before bed as well. We have also read through the book of Mark together and now are working our way through Luke.

I don’t know exactly how long Kai Kow will be with us. My hope is to see him grow and mature spiritually, mentally, and physically over the next couple years; however much of that depends on his own willingness to work hard and to grow in humility and obedience. Please keep him in your prayers when you think of me.