The Security of Adonai

Nancy and I have had lots of opportunities to sit and observe students and teachers and the general activity that goes on within the gates of Colegio Privado Adonai. What interesting things we have seen and have been able to contemplate. The one thing that has come to my mind over and over again is the feeling of security that is present on the inside of the gates of Adonai.

It seems as if almost every student, and even every teacher, has a "story" of some sort. Some children are motherless, some fatherless. Some children have both parents, but would probably be better off without one or both. Some students have experienced physical pain and some emotional. Some teachers have suffered more in their lives than many of us ever will. Yet it seems that as soon as students and teachers enter the gate at Adonai, there is a sense of security that envelopes each one and they are now free to live within the boundaries. How's that for an oxymoron?

Every morning, the teachers gather at 6:30 for devotions and a prayer before school starts. The entire school's premises are covered with prayer and each new day is dedicated to the Lord. Prayers are lifted up faithfully for individual students, teachers, parents and community. There is opportunity for teachers and administrators to pray with all those, too. With security of prayers such as these, how can the students and teachers NOT feel the freedom of security when they are enveloped within such boundaries?

I saw little children running on the playground today, laughing with their entire being, enjoying the moment of a childish chase of friends, yet I knew that within the hour, they would be walking out of that secure, green gate back into the world that hurts them and damages them and scares them. I saw teachers smiling at each other, sharing terere' under the tree, talking with such openness, but I knew that once they left the security of Adonai, the big monster of LIFE was going to be attacking them with a vengence.

At Adonai, students and teachers can be secure within the boundaries of the gates. With Adonai, our Father, we can all rest in the security of the boundaries of His arms of love. I wished today that everyone I saw pass by on the outside of the gates of Adonai could step inside for just a moment to experience what everyone on the inside has every day. Some people chose to step inside, some looked in the whole time they passed and others walked past without even looking up at all. How thankful I am that there is a place here in Asuncion that provides such security for so many children and teachers and administrators. There is a place in our spiritual world for people to experience the Security of Adonai, and they just need to step inside and accept it.