Today, I attended service for the first time at Watoto Church in Juba with my students who are preparing for their national exams. Coming from a liturgical tradition, I found Watoto’s modern and contemporary service refreshing. My students loved participating in the dancing and singing. Pastor Richard’s sermon focused on Bold Generosity, using Luke 7:36-50—the story of the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Her act, reckless by worldly standards, was seen as radical love by Christ.
As a Christian teacher, I realized that this message goes beyond a typical Sunday lesson—it’s a call to action for educators. Pastor Richard emphasized how true love doesn’t consider the cost! The woman in Luke gave freely because she believed Jesus was worth it. Personally, I was convicted and thought that in our classrooms, our time, patience, and creativity are offerings we can give freely.
Even when tired, and not earning like oil sector workers, we should go above and beyond because our students matter and deserve what we can invest in them. When resources are scarce, including vital textbooks, love enables us to find creative solutions—mirroring God’s provision (Matt. 14:13-21).
In his sermon, Pastor Richard guided us through Paul’s writing in 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 about the Macedonian churches giving generously despite their limitations.
We’re called to bold generosity—not from obligation, but as a response to Christ’s limitless love. Just as the Macedonians gave amidst suffering (2 Cor. 8:1-9) and the widow of Zarephath trusted God with her last meal (1 Kings 17:8-16), we too can:
- Give from a heart transformed by Christ—his sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional love (Phil. 2:6-7). When we understand the depth of His giving (“while we were still sinners,” Rom. 5:8), generosity becomes both worship and a privilege that comes out from the transformed heart. Only Christ can transform hearts to generously give for the kingdom
- Let hardship inspire generosity—The Macedonians gave during trials (2 Cor. 8:2). Even when stretched thin, love urges us to persevere.
- Even when we hurt or hurt others but still choose love– we can generously give. As teachers, every lesson prepared and every extra hour spent is an act of bold worship, demonstrating Christ’s love that surpasses adversity.
- Put others first, as Jesus did—Philippians 2 mentions how He “emptied Himself” for us. As teachers, we should mirror this by prioritizing students’ needs above our convenience, giving “beyond our ability,” and viewing teaching as investing in God’s kingdom (Prov. 22:6).
- See giving as a joyful privilege—just as the widow’s oil did not run out (1 Kings 17:16), God can multiply our impact when we give freely, rooted in Christ’s love. This is a privilege and a blessing by God’s grace to be able to give.
Therefore, classrooms are our mission fields; through encouragement or creative lessons, we sow seeds for eternity. We are Christ’s ambassadors to the next generation. Keep loving and giving boldly—your work truly transforms lives! Wishing you a blessed and wonderful Sunday.
Mrs. Deborah Kirabo
Missionary Teacher (teaching literature)
Good Shepherd Academy, Juba, South Sudan
