Wow what a ministry. I can't even describe how blessed I feel to be able to work with such an amazing ministry. Tony originally started this ministry. He forms relationships with people living in Los Pinos and near local dumpsters over the years has taken in 15 street kids. When I heard this, I did not think much about what it looked like to be a street kid. Being a street kid from Los Pinos may look like struggles such as: no secure home life, growing up way to fast, addiction to paint thinner (because it numbs the brain), no steady source of love, having to witness a parent committing suicide, finding food in dumpsters, etc. I wish I could say that I was talking about adults here but most of the kids here are between 7 and 19, with one 21 year old. I wish you could meet these wonderful kids because they have some of the biggest hearts I have ever seen.
They love so well. They have some of the most genuine hearts I have ever seen.
For not having much love in their lives before coming to live here at Zion's Gate, they sure are making up for it. The highlight of each of my days is getting hugs and kisses from each of them. They don't hug just to hug, but they hug because they truly love you. When I picture Jesus loving people, I picture the way that these kids love us.
It hurts my heart to think about what they have been through. I mean how could such beautiful children have to witness such terrible things? Although I don't have all the answers, I find comfort and peace in the thought that they are in such good hands here. They have a dad figure in Tony who gives one of the best examples of tough love that I have ever seen. They all are getting an education and have big dreams for their future now. With their lives now, they have hope and above all else they have love. 🙂
