This past week Cristin, myself, and 6 other of our squad mates put on a kids camp for rescued street children. The ages ranged from new born children to young adults who were 22 years old. The stories of these rescued women and children were heart breaking to hear, but seeing how God used AGAPE (the ministry we were partnered with this month) to bring redemption into their lives was so inspiring. The people that work with AGAPE go into the slums and rescue children who literally have nothing. They also go into the dance bars and cabin restaurants to rescue women that have been forced into selling themselves.
Here are some of the stories of the children we worked with this week: One of the four year old girls was found eating mud on the side of the street. Her father took one of her siblings with him and just abandoned the rest. Another boy resorted to the streets because he felt safer living on the streets than he did with his parents. His Father would get drunk and beat him while his Mother, who was in prostitution, would bring customers into there home. Each of these children and women have similar heartbreaking stories.
Preparing for kids camp we were told that these children know the gospel and are strong in their faith, so we could prepare bible stories for the children that would challenge them and continue there growth. It was so astonishing to see how much these children know about the Bible and the Lord at such a young age. It’s a testament to the way they have been rescued and raised in a Christ loving home. It was so true, by the end of the week the children were able to recite every Bible story we shared throughout the week, plus connect it with stories from the Bible they already knew.
It was such a great week. We were able to worship, share Bible stories, do arts & crafts, and play soccer with them. I loved watching them being able to be actually be kids. Watching them laugh and love each other was so special, they have so much joy and faith.
It really made me sit back and reflect on how much we have to be thankful for on a daily basis. I often let situations determine my attitude and outlook on things. These children have every reason in the world to be resentful and bitter, but they choose to rest in the Lord and choose joy. They reflect the lords joy all over their faces. They have not become a victim of their circumstances. Seeing them and the happiness they exude makes me think how could I ever not choose to be joyful in my circumstances. These kids literally didn’t have a home. They never felt affection or had attention from their parents. They never knew when their next meal would come. They would rather be on the streets than live with their family. Now, they know the promises of the Lord and are filled with love.
I am so thankful our team was given the opportunity to work with these children this past week. It was such a blessing.
