This weekend, Savage Ministries hosted a youth conference (conferencia por jovenes). It was a typical day for ministry: sunny, hot, and long. But it was wonderful. Thankfully we had hand-sewn tarps to block a majority of the sun. From 9:00AM-9:00PM we welcomed youth from all over the neighborhood to come learned about what it means to be brave and fight with the Lord.
It was encouraging even for us “gringos” to hear from some of our own teammates, as well as the Pastors of the local churches. Before lunch we found ourselves playing silly games with the Peruanos. As our bellies became full, we had some down time before the next session. As the late afternoon sun continued to beam down, even through tarps, I found myself needing to cool off. So, I asked for the assistance of my teammate and team leader, Bailey, as I so often do to braid my hair. What I didn’t notice right away, was some of the young girls come up and sit around us. They watched as Bailey caringly braided my hair. What girl doesn’t like to have her hair played with? They discreetly made a line, ready to be next. I watched as two girls waited patiently, as a third had her hair braided like us.
It was beautiful. These young girls: who knows what their lives are like at home. But they chose to spend their entire Saturday, learning, growing, and communing with the body of Christ.
By the end, Bailey had braided 3 young girls’ hair. From the infamous “Katniss braid” to a braided crown, each girl was treated with the such love and care from Bailey.
Sometimes showing the love of Christ is by simply fixing hair. Something you can help do, to further the Kingdom is to support Bailey Balenti. I have nearly reached my final goal. If you can, please consider supporting my teammates who have not reached 100% of funds.
Bailey with the chicas at the conferencia por los jovenes.
