The three of us sat there and listened with tears streaming down our face. He began to say these words as Jorge translated for Courtney and I..
“I left my house when I was seven years old and learned how to work and provide for myself. I have four sisters but to this day I do not know them. I had many jobs growing up. I was a carpenter, built houses, sold fruit and other foods, worked on roads, and also had my own Tienda. (A little store) I got in a bike accident six years ago and have not been able to use the right side of my body. I also cut my wrist working and can’t use my right hand.
My wife, I miss her. She was cooking in our kitchen when another person came up behind her with a machete and hit her in the back of the neck. I was helpless not able to do anything but watch her die.
I enjoy playing soccer and I play goalie. I can’t dance now but I love to listen to music and watch others dance. My wife and I would dance in our home all the time.
This is now my home, and I am alone. I don’t really have many friends here because they all talk to much and no one ever listens. (We asked him if he knew Jesus and his answer was YES..) I enjoy going to church here in Ecuador so that I may hear Gods words.”
Every Wednesday and Friday when we walk into the nursing home, Courtney and I are on a mission to find Manuel and spend a few hours with him. The best part is, he is always waiting for our return and his face lights up! Some days are tough for us and him. We can see the sadness in his deep brown eyes. We can see what life has done to him by the wearing of his skin. Some days his eyes are filled with tears as we just sit and listen and other days he has the biggest smile and joy beaming from his heart!
People want to be heard. They are broken, sad, and hurting. We can sit and listen and know that this is Jesus. Sometimes it just takes one person to smile and nod their head to show someone an ounce of Gods love.
Ecuador has captured my heart and I am in love. Manuel has captured my heart. The people, the food, the scenery, the hospitality that we’ve been shown has brought me to a new level of compassion and love. God has shown me what it means once again that His love needs NO translation. Your smile and laugh can say so much more than words.
Whatever you are doing today or wherever you are, take the time to stop and listen.. You’ll never how God can show up and rock your world!
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has supported me financially and with prayer. Without you, I wouldn’t be here in Ecuador, sitting with Manuel twice a week getting to hear his story and showing Gods love to him!!
I am $2,000 away from my next deadline that is due October 1st. If God has placed it on your heart to help support me financially or with prayer you are blessing me every step of my journey! You are helping me to continue to dream God size dreams and see His miracles all around the world!!!
