By Melissa Faccini, Explorers II (Kindergarten) Teacher
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Then the righteous will answer him,
saying, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?” And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:35-40
Jesus teaches us how to serve. He cares so much about the needy that this King puts himself in their place of need. We must be like Christ in our love and service of the people whom He made and loves. Service is more than just an activity scheduled into our lives; it centers on this radical love.
Clapham students serve at a local event for the homeless
At the heart of the Clapham model is the importance of a life of this Christ-like service. We do our best to encourage hearts that desire to serve as Jesus teaches us to serve. The classroom provides multiple opportunities to think about putting others first: holding doors, passing out papers, showing respect for teachers and classmates, waiting our turn to speak or participate, and so forth. Through these actions we hope to cultivate hearts that depend on Jesus.
We also take time to prepare students for special opportunities of service. As my class prepared to serve ESL children, one of the mothers of a student visited and read a book to the students called “Four Feet and Two Sandals.” After getting over the endearing giggles prompted by their young sense of humor after they heard the title (“You mean there is someone with four feet and two sandals?”), we read and discussed the unique perplexities that refugees face.
The children’s faces became concerned as they reflected on the difference between a life full of comfort and a life filled with many unmet needs. Just as Jesus stepped into our shoes and met our ultimate need, so we can help students see the importance of meeting others’ needs. When we teach our children service, both in the classroom and out, we are helping them reflect the image of the King.