I have been trying to write this blog all day and I am at a loss for words.
Yesterday my team and I went to a place called “Smokey Mountain”
Smokey Mountain is a trash dump that has grown in size over the years. Hundreds of families live on top of it in tin homes.
No clean water, sometimes no food.
Starving, naked children.
I’ve seen a lot of poverty on the race. Been to a lot of broken places. We see it all the time as we travel to different countries. You end up seeing it so much it almost becomes normal. It starts to not hit you as hard as it did the first time. Which is so sad, but true.
Smokey mountain broke my team’s hearts, as every impoverished place should.
As you watch a little naked baby walk up to you asking for food. Belly bloated and ribs outlined. Your heart breaks.
We served them rice and meat but towards the end we ran out. There was no more rice but so many more children. As the rice ran out the pastors son said
“next time”
Next time you can get some food, next time you won’t go hungry… next time!?!
Why is there a next time? Why does there always have to be a next time?!
I was angry. We all were, watching these kids go hungry.
My heart was just shattered it is very heartbreaking lesson to learn that there’s always going to be a next time when you go to these places. We did everything we could yesterday with the resources we had. We left knowing that there is so much more to be done at Smokey Mountain.
I believe and come with expectation that Jesus is going to multiply the food at the feedings, and provide for those children. If it was yesterday, today or tomorrow. He is a good father and he’s going to show up. He is so faithful!
I also left holding onto the truth that these kids are getting fed more than just rice. They’re getting fed with the love of Jesus.
That’s our goal out here as we climb to the top of places like Smokey Mountain, we want to feed their souls. We want to give them the kind of hope that goes so far beyond their broken situation. We want them to know they have a daddy In heaven who loves them as his children. We also want them to know that they are precious. That a man named Jesus took on everything they would face in their life and is willing to carry them through it all.
So, I hug them. Hold them, spin them around and dance with them. I stand in front of a classroom and sing worship songs. I tell them the gospel. I give them real food, the only food you can eat and never go hungry again with.
Living water. An unending river of love grace and truth. I’m holding onto this today as my heart still breaks for these children. Please Pray for them to have food and a safe place to live! Also, for them to accept Jesus and trust in the hope he promises us.
— Thank You for reading this blog and the ones that have come before. I still need $1,100 to be FULLY FUNDED. Any donations and prayer support are greatly appreciated!
