The streets quiver with life – dangerously fast mopeds, Mt. Everest enthusiasts, eager street vendors, and women in bright sarees move about in every direction. There’s no room to walk on these sidewalks, let alone stand still, but for Kathmandu street boys, this is home.
The first Wednesday, as the boys flooded Agape Missions’ soccer field, I was overwhelmed. How was I going to relate with these young boys who literally had nothing? How was I going to proclaim the goodness of our Father to children who have been neglected, looked over, and abandoned? I stood on the sidelines and cried – their desperation for attention and love made my heart ache – Wednesday quickly became my least favorite day of ministry.
The next week I debated on staying home (granted I was battling an evil parasite – those aren’t fun, let me tell ya’) but I went, feeling like the Lord was telling me to go and here’s why:
His name is Indel and he is nine years old. He came up to me half way through the morning and, after a few minutes of conversation, we became best friends. We took countless selfies and afterwards he wanted to look through all the pictures on my phone – which led to an image of a cross and him exclaiming “Jesus!”
I sat next to him while lunch for the boys was passed around and as soon as his plate was filled with chicken curry, he handed it to me saying, “You hungry?”
I was blown away. All the other boys were already calling out for seconds but this little man (who had no idea where his next meal would come from) offered it all to me before taking a bite. I sucked back the tears and gave him a big squeeze.
I realize now that the Lord was showing me tangible proof that He is not bound by circumstances – He is at work in the streets of Kathmandu just as He is at work in Tyler, Texas – and that He is a good Father who never neglects or overlooks His children.
The next Wednesday, as I was saying goodbye to Indel for the last time, he pulled out a little pink, heart shaped ring and put it on my finger. With tears in my eyes, I prayed over and reminded him Jesus would always be there for him – to which he replied, “I know.”
I am trusting that I will see Indel again; whether it’s in this life or when we are both holding our Daddy’s hand.
