Thursday, June 18, 2009

Lipstick and Bible Stories

Overheard in Peru last summer. I share it with with you today----

Her question, “Why did you become a missionary?” startled me. The older American woman sipped rich espresso beside me in the funky space of the California CafĂ© in Huaraz, Peru. I retreat here when I want to ‘feel like an American’, use Wi-fi, listen to music and peruse English titles in their book exchange.
“I wanted to wear lipstick and tell Bible stories.” I confessed. Sunday mornings as a child were spent ‘criss-crossed and applesauced’ in front of a simple flannel covered board. The Gospel was presented story form with vibrantly colored, characters, landscapes and assorted complimentary pieces all made out of fuzzy felt. The pieces stuck, magically to the soft flannel on the board held by an easel. The message of the Gospel presented in this simple, authentic and personal way by a teacher wearing lipstick changed my life as it became inwardly effective.
Someone back in the states sent me a beautiful flannelgraph set and several short-term missionaries cut out all the pieces for me while they were here in Peru. I use it now, when I wear lipstick and tell Bible stories.

2 Thessalonians 2:14a
He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News!