I was hesitant for a few seconds about going to a home called Trinity House. I do not believe in proselytizing. They did not really proselytize either. I wondered if preaching about God was the way to go to help immediate problems and long term problems. I did not believe in enforcing religion upon others. I still have the same views. I feel differently about bringing God to these boys in the home. It reinstates hope. None of the children in any of the three homes died during the earthquake. There was a celebration with the boys. Two of the homes collapsed and are torn down. You can rebuild a home, not a child says the founder. The founder has taught these children through God anything is possible.
My travel buddy leaves Sunday. We go to chapel. I talk to the director he shows me the 25th anniversary celebration album. They never had the scheduled celebration; it was scheduled for a week after the earthquake. But survival of the children was celebration enough.
We take motorcycles closer into town. The eldest boy, M, in the home talks to me as we wait in the streets of Jacmel for a spot in the internet café so I may for first time reach out to the other world. He talks to me about God. His English is grand. He speaks not as a brainwashed robot but as his own person with utmost sincerity and openness. He says when people speak about God he feels so strong and so happy. His life is about God he tells me. God is the light. I am surprised to hear such things. I feel a special bond with his opening up to me. I tell him how I pray, he asks if I pray like the people in Iran. I’m glad he has God. I know God changed my life at an age close to his. They say he has changed and matured tremendously within the last two years. He says as long as we all believe in one God we are fine. We walk across the city, I take pictures of some of damaged houses post earthquake. He tries to bend down to tie my shoe, I quickly stop him. I am the one in a position of servitude to such people. I start tying all the younger boys shoes.
1 comment:
Asalaam Alaikum Umm Teresa,
It is a joy to read your posts. May Allah bless and protect you!
One of your observations rings really true for me. The faith in action part of not proselytizing. It is a tough thing as all action or work (Amal) can be based on anything (for God or other motivations) and still be seen by the world as in the name of a religion. This is why a form of shirk (disbelief) of intending to do a act of worship is so deceptive and why maintaining a focus on our intentions so important.
Allah states in the Qur’an: “Verily Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him (shirk) however, He forgives all other sins as He pleases.” (Qur’an 4:48). The Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam {SAWS}) said: ‘The worshiper's right on Allah is that He will not punish those who worship none besides Him.’ [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Your focus on servitude is amazing. May Allah raise your ranks, increase you in blessing and make all of your actions, even your smiles (a form of charity) a sincere for of worship to only Him!
“And I created not the Jinns and Men except that they should worship Me.” (Qur’an 51:56)."
Keep writing!
Iesa
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