Friday, February 11, 2011

A Real Life Object Lesson

Well, it isn't something I experience everyday.
Some in our County may, since we do have sheep
farms nearby.  However, the style of  farming here
varies greatly from how it is done in Peru.

Up in the mountains of Peru many people go out 
into the fields every day to work.  Vegetable farming
is huge there.  


When they go they take their sheep or 
cows with them.  The animals graze while the people
work....at the end of the day they return to their homes
bringing their flocks with them.

One day Mom happened to observe two young 
shepherds passing each other on the street.
I don't know if they had taken time to visit or if
the sheep had just mingled in passing but both flocks
were totally intermingled.
Mom thought uh-oh!
 
See the boy and girl?  Each one had a flock....
She was just sure that
they would have a hard time separating these flocks.

However, when it was time to move on each 
shepherd simply spoke to the sheep and they
knew their shepherd's voice.  There was no use of 
a stick or any other physical item.  
Simply the voice
of each shepherd
calling out their sheep.
A smooth transition
was made and everyone moved on.

The girl and her mother.
The boy and his sheep.
Don't you just love the photo example of some of 
this wonderful scripture?

From John 10

"The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice
He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out."

 "When he has brought out all his own, 
he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him 
because they know his voice."

 “I am the good shepherd;  
I know my sheep and my sheep know me  
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—
and I lay down my life for the sheep.  
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. 
I must bring them also. 
They too will listen to my voice, 
and there shall be one flock 
and one shepherd."
 
Because shepherding is such a common
way of life in these villages
the Mission Team used a story 
about a wayward sheep.
The children could relate and 
understand.
They know how sheep are.
In a way that our children here
would not.

 

11 comments:

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

This was one of my favorite stories that they shared!

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Good Morning Becky Sweetie...
A beautiful share this morning. I love these shots of the two shepherds and how the voice led the sheep to the right direction.

We too are his sheep and yes we do follow his voice as well. I love this share today. It SO touched my heart.

Have a glorious Friday sweet one. Happy Valentine's Day as well.

Many hugs and much love, Sherry

Barb said...

Hi Becky, what wonderful pictures. Yes, I love that Scripture in the Bible and I especially love that way you have brought it to life!

Have a wonderful weekend,
Barb....love you too!

Vee said...

What a wonderful life lesson. I really enjoyed reading this one.

Tracy said...

Wonderful! I'm sure that this trip had lasting effects on the lives of everyone who went.

Anonymous said...

That's what I thought when the sheep mingled. Amazing that the sheep know the shepherd's voice.

Tracy said...

What a great post! So cool.

Unknown said...

What a fabulous write, Becky. We hear His voice & follow ...

Happy Valentine's PS weekend ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Elena said...

Wow, that was a great story and illustration! Thanks for sharing.

Simple Home said...

I loved reading this Becky. As I was reading it, I immediately thought of that scripture, but the photos really shared it perfectly!
Blessings,
Marcia

Linda Born said...

Love this post. The truth of it brought tears. Thank you.