Motivated: By Love and By Each Other

Egypt

When people go into children’s ministry, they may not be thinking, “I just want to be a good example for the other teachers.” More likely, they go into it for the kids — to pass on something they’ve learned and share God’s good news with the next generation.

Shady and Nariman, Awana leaders in Egypt

But sometimes they get to do both.

Shady and Nariman are brother and sister. Born with a genetic disease that began impacting them as children, both Shady and Nariman are in wheelchairs. Not the technically advanced, electrical kind that move quickly, or that have all-terrain tires for the rocks and sand of the Egyptian landscape. Just your standard, push-with-your-hands chairs.

Transportation isn’t easy. Neither is navigating through clusters of people. But every week, like clockwork, they’re at the Awana club in their local church, teaching kids what they know about Jesus. And it’s making an impact on more than just the kids.

Shady and Nariman inspire leaders to serve the Lord

Shady and Nariman have become an inspiration and example for the other Awana leaders.

One leader says, in admiration, “Nariman and Shady are really making a huge difference with us. Despite the challenges and the many problems they face — the looks they receive from people are not good all the time — despite all of this they are persistent. They love the Lord and serve Him with all their hearts.”

While another Awana leader says, “I see them as role models. When I’m absent and see Shady and Nariman coming when I‘ve been sitting at home, I feel a bit ashamed of myself!”

Shady joins in Large Group Time

The extra effort it takes for the brother and sister to show up at Awana each week is evidence of their commitment to sharing the Gospel. And the seeds of that commitment were planted years ago when they were Awana kids themselves. Shady says, “For me, it was all about memorizing — over and over. And then my discipleship leader said, ‘We’re going to stop the memorization, and apply what you memorized when you were young.’” For Shady, that transition from memorizing to applying marked the beginning of his preparation for ministry.

Nariman followed the same trajectory toward ministry, and reflects on her motivation to come, week after week.

Nariman disciples children from her wheelchair

“I minister out of love for the children I want to serve. I minister because I want to convey the message in my heart. Love. Conveying love is what motivates you and what keeps you moving forward. You want to serve with whatever resources you have. The Lord will use even the least of them.”

The outgrowth of their love of the Lord and of the children they serve is a beautiful relationship among the leaders of their Awana club. Nariman says of the other leaders, “To be honest, their love overwhelms me, and they also help me to grow. The wheelchair is difficult for me to move. So they come and pick me up from home. It’s our sisters and brothers who serve with us who get us here.”

Leader helps Nariman navigate the ground at the church

One of those sisters in service says, “God has entrusted me with a responsibility I must uphold. Don’t miss out on the opportunities in front of you. In ministry, you will bless yourself and others. There are people who have it in their hearts to serve the Lord even if they have disabilities and burdens. It’s hard for them to serve, but they put all that aside. Despite everything else being difficult.”

We asked Nariman and Shady, “When will you decide to stop serving the Lord?”

Nariman: I don’t think I will make that decision.

Shady: When my life ends.

We’re honored to be part of a family that raises up leaders like Nariman and Shady. Thank you for being a part of it, too.

God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. Habakkuk 3:19