Tonight I walked with the girls to get some milkshakes. When we got there we started talking with a local friend, Imiel, about how cheap Cape Town was compared to the US. It blew me away how cheap everything is here!
As we were walking back this kid came up walking beside us. His clothes were rugged, his fingernails filled with dirt and grime, and his face had a few scratches. "Please! I am not asking for money, but could you please buy me some bread?" The boy cried to us desperately. We had been instructed by the owner of our hostel not to give food or money to the homeless, but instead to donate the money to a church that gives them food and shelter.
I could tell it was hard for the girls just to ignore the poor boy and keep walking. Since I was in the back I was the last one he asked for money. His plea was almost hopeless by the time he got to me, "Please sir! I don't want money, I promise! Just a little bit of food is all I'm asking for." I looked at this desperate kid and my heart sank. "I really don't have any money or food on me kid, but if you want I will pray for you!"
I saw a small glimpse of hope flash back into the kids eyes. "Yes Sir! Thank you Sir!" he said to me earnestly. "What's your name?" I asked him. "Asym!" the boy replied. "Okay Asym let's pray!" I thanked Jesus for Asym and asked Him to give Asym a warm place to sleep that night and to give him some food. It was a short and simple prayer, but I could tell he appreciated it.
As we departed I promised Asym that Jesus was going to take care of him as long as he expected God to. "Thank you Sir!" Asym shouted back to me as he ran off into the streets with a smile on his face.
