It is around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday night at HOINA. To the children it is their Friday night, since they have class six days a week, with only Sunday off. The children are eating dinner. The girls just finished their weekly singing lessons. A local married couple comes each Saturday evening to lead the girls in Christian song and dance. Many of the girls have a very strong belief in Christianity.
At HOINA the children are raised praying each day and learning bible stories. Many of the girls come up to our group of Penn State students asking, “Sister, are you a Christian?”Growing up in a Protestant church, Salem United Church of Christ, I attribute my openness to all walks of life to my faith. Love your neighbor as yourself is the lesson that stuck most with me.
Some of the students in our group are not Christian. In fact, in our group of just ten students, we hold a variety of faiths – with a Muslim, a Jew and a few who are apathetic. When these students are asked about their belief in Christianity, they note the HOINA girls are disappointed at their response.
I personally believe we all chose different ways to reach the same God -- a philosophy I believe makes me a more adaptable, accepting person. Hopefully, the girls will learn from our multi-faith group that there are a variety of religions out there and regardless of faith there are many people who will open their heart to help another being.
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