Our first Palawano believers were baptized into the faith of Jesus as teenagers. They were babies in the faith and needed to be bottle-fed for many years as they grappled with how to apply the principles of the Christian walk to their lives and culture. Sometimes we despaired of them ever being strong enough to have the true meat of the Word. But slowly they grew in faith stature, and they continued to mature.

Today, many of our members are married and have children of their own. They recognize that their second-generation-Christian kids enjoy many advantages they didn’t have. How exciting to have children who don’t have to experience the same challenges and battle the same fears that they had!

As our members’ children grow up, we can see the fruits of Christian training in the home. The children are more obedient and affectionate with their parents. They are also catching the faith of their parents. It is thrilling to watch the parents mentor their children in the Christian walk and to see the ardor with which these children worship their Lord.

A few months ago, we had an agape feast. Everyone brought something to contribute, and all participated in the remembrance of the Lord’s Last Supper, including the washing of each other’s feet. Because Palawano culture values inclusiveness, we don’t limit our communion service only to members. We take care to explain the meanings of the ordinances, and it is always a meaningful time for all, from the most seasoned believer down to the youngest child.

I had just finished foot washing and prayer with Meyni when her older son, six-year-old Jibin, came over with a friend. Meyni asked them if they had washed each other’s feet, and they proudly told her they had. Then she asked them if they’d had prayer together, and Jibin answered with an exuberant but reverent, “E` nga!” as if talking with Jesus was the most exciting thing that had ever happened in his life. It moved me, and it moves me still to remember.

Just recently, at our last communion, I happened to participate with Meyni again. As we were finishing, her younger son, Nubim, came sidling up. Asking him whether he’d had his feet washed, and learning he hadn’t found a partner, Meyni took his hand, got a basin and carefully washed his feet. Then they had a wonderful prayer together.

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me.”

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