The other night four of the street kids we’ve become friends with showed up at our house. We hung out for awhile playing cards and just enjoying one another’s company. Come to find out the boys hadn’t eaten in several hours, so Kristen decided to go get some food for the boys. Benny and I walked with her to the hamburger stand to grab some burgers and soda. On the way one of the boys wanted to hold my hand so we did, and although we couldn’t communicate verbally, it was a blessing for both of us. One we returned, the four boys sat down with us on the sidewalk and enjoyed their food. As hungry as they were, they still tried to share their food with us. As the evening continued, we all talked and played. Kristen speaks excellent Spanish and found out that at least two of the boys live and sleep on the streets. The boys are all related, but it seems they only have a grandma who cannot take care of them all. We continued playing and talking. I had the privilege to give multiple piggy back rides and we had some fun play fighting and wrestling. All the boys began to settle down and each found a place of rest in the arms of a loving woman. Natalie, Holli, Kristen, and Di all had one boy or two sometimes cuddling in their arms and lap. Squad members came and went and only Natalie, Holli, and I remained. The boys truly enjoyed Holli singing hymns and other songs to them. It was a chilly night in their opinion so they all balled together intertwined with us to stay warm. At one point, one of the boys had an epiphany, and he decided to crawl into my shirt with me for extra warmth. Soon another followed, and I now was laying on the sidewalk with one in the front of my shirt and one in the back of my shirt with me sandwiched in the middle. It was probably the funniest moment of the race thus far. One of the boys actually shoved his head through the neck so him and I were now sharing my shirt completely. The oldest boy probably around 13 finally curled in a ball with his head on my lap, as well as, in my shirt, and began to go to sleep. At around 12:30am and after some deliberation, we decided to head in for the night, and we told the boys we were sorry to leave them. It was a difficult decision that took some convincing. The boys wanted to join inside our respected apartments, but we couldn’t let them. As we said our goodbyes, we couldn’t help but wonder where they would sleep that night, but we told them they must come back tomorrow. As the boys walk away down the street, the three of us just kind of stared at each other wondering what else we could of or should of done. We circled together, and we all prayed for the boys. The next day the boys returned, but now there was two more added to the bunch. The new boys were also brothers of the four. The all spent the day with us playing ball, hanging out, and loving each other. They all need some fresh clothes and shoes, so many of us have decided to go to the market to pick up some cheap clothing for all the boys.
It has truly been amazing how many opportunities we have had to share the love of Christ with so many. Whether it’s playing ball, playing cards, sharing a meal, serving at the farm, or just hanging out building relationships, we have never lacked in ways to share the love, hope, and grace of our Lord. Many people hear know the story of Jesus, but also many are lacking the personal relationship with Christ that is vital for salvation. Legalism and rules in the church seem to run wild. So many people we have talked to have left the church because they cannot live up to the ridiculous standards and laws. Those same people now say “I used to be a Christian, but now I’m not” or “I love Jesus and He loves me, but I don’t like Christians.” It is really quite sad. Throughout our time hear in the DR, we have focused on communicating freedom, hope, love, and relationship with Christ. I ask that you all continue to pray for us and the people hear. Pray for FREEDOM.
