One of our first days we were given a tour of Ciudad de Refugio, our ministry for the month. Harry, one of the “logistics” guys who’s been here for eight years, gave us the in-depth history of how it was started, the programs and ministries they currently have and their plans for the future. I loved hearing how each aspect of the ministry was connected to the other.
The homeless come in each night to sleep on the first floor, which also happens to be the ministries parking lot and where church takes place three days a week. The second and third floors are designed for the men and women in programs for drug and alcohol addictions. Part of their program includes cleaning the buildings and working in the bakery out front which provides funds for the ministry.
Harry asked a few of the men in the program some questions about their past lives, which they were very willing to answer in front of 20 some strange Americans. Each of these men used drugs and/or drank, some were involved with gangs, and most used violence in order to get the money to continue their addictions.
The fourth floor is where we eat our meals and where a few kids stay. These kids are brought here because they are at-risk of the same lifestyles that the men and women on the floors below them have come to. They are poured into by the leaders and are encouraged to pursue bigger dreams.
It is obvious that the Lord is here and doing amazing things in the heart of these people. It is an honor being in this place of hope.
