"Among the tribes of Africa, few have warriors traditionally more fearsome or more cunning than the Masai of Kenya. It is perhaps surprising, then, to learn the traditional greeting among Masai warriors. One warrior would always say to another, “Kasserian Ingera,” which, in Swahili, means, “Are the children well?”
It is still the traditional greeting among the Masai, acknowledging the high value of the Masai for the well-being of children. Even modern Masai with no children of their own always give the traditional answer, “All the children are well,” meaning, of course, that peace and safety prevail – that the priorities of protecting the young and powerless are in place, that Masai society has not forgotten its reason for being and its responsibilities. “All the children are well” means that life is good. It means that the daily struggles of existence do not preclude proper care for the young.
This story, I think, is moving, illustrating a society that values its children so highly that a reminder of them is part of every greeting. The story is also sobering – the fact that it’s surprising illustrates how very far our own culture is from valuing children in this way."
After spending five years working in the inner city of Lexington...the last two of those as a children's pastor, I can answer the question, "Are the children well?" The answer is no...no they are not. Many are hungry, neglected, abused, lonely. They feel like they are stupid, undeserving, unimportant and disposable. Our community is not valuing children in a way that communicates otherwise. For many this starts in their own homes, but the problems are greater than individual families. When did we, as a society, stop seeing the needs of our children...our future...as a priority for us all...whether or not we even have children? Many worry about the well-being of their own child or children, but do not see the needs of others as a primary priority. We've lost the mentality that it takes a villiage to raise a child. And the consequences are truly devastating for our community.
But there is hope for our kids. Jesus desires for each of them to have life and have it abundantly. And that's why I'm the children's pastor at The Rock La Roca United Methodist Church in north Lexington, KY. To make sure that message is communicated to them week after week and pray that as it is repeated, each one will hear, believe and live a life that is changed because of the love of Christ. How that all plays out is another story...and I am still learning every single day how to serve and love kids that are often times overlooked...seen as troubled...written off as the "bad" kids.
Hopefully this blog will help me to process through the things I see, hear and feel throughout any given week and ultimately give the kids who come to The Rock a voice.
