Month one in Honduras is over and we are now here in Guatemala. I can’t believe month two has arrived but I’m excited for what it holds.
Out of all the ministries that we were involved with at Heart of Christ, the one that impacted me the most was the children’s ministry. Those kids will forever be in my heart and I’m sure that trend will continue to carry on throughout the following countries.
Mama Gracie asked us a question one day during devotion. “Have you had a face to face with God since you’ve been here.” I had not thought of it that way until then but yes, I had. It was those kids. My heart instantly broke after hearing their stories of how they ended up there.
Meet Christopher
His mama Haity was sent by the court to this ministry in July 2012. Christopher is small for his age because Haity used drugs until 7 or 8 months of pregnancy. She was raped by her uncle, and the family disapproved about her speaking out. I was able to meet her, but unfortunately she ran away the 2nd night we were here. She has not been back to visit him since.
Meet Diego
His mom was sent here from INFA, court order. She was raped by her granddaddy and had Diego when she was 11. She could not stand the sight of him and ran away from the ministry.
Meet Alejandro
Alejandro was the first baby born at the mission. His mama was 15 when she came to the ministry; her daddy raped her once her mama abandoned her and the 7 siblings. She ran away from the ministry once she met a man at the local church. She never came back for Ale.
Meet Moises
Moises was abandoned at birth when his mother saw his huge tumor. Mama Gracie and Papi Lee adopted him even though he was projected to die within 6-8 months of having him. He went into surgery at 36 pounds and came out at 18 pound. He’s now up for adoption.
Before coming on the race I had already had a heart for kids. People spoke over me that I would be more like an uncle to the kids I came in contact with. I also had a vision in the Dominican Republic as I walked through the dark slums. I saw Jesus walking down this dark narrow road with shack covered hills on each side. A place full of darkness where kids began to crowd around and followed Jesus. God told me that night, this is what you are supposed to be doing.
The Lord confirmed all that during my time in Honduras as the boys ran around saying, “Mi Mateo! Mi Mateo!” or “MATEO!!!!” It’s not the sound of my name being shouted that brings me joy, it’s the opportunity to be an example and share the love of Christ that brings me joy!
The last day came so fast and it was then that the possibility of never seeing them again hit me… I tried to cherish every moment that day and soak in the blessing of having the opportunity of meeting them. We would be leaving at 3am. I realized they had been put to bed. So I grabbed Beka to go tell them Goodnight. They were on the verge of falling asleep. I gave them a quick hug and kiss on the forehead and said goodnight and that I loved them. I was holding back the tears.
I still didn’t feel at peace yet so I grabbed Andrea to go tell them goodnight again. Made my rounds and ended with Alejandro (my lil buddy). Another hug and kiss on the forehead.
Me: “Goodnight Alejandro, I love you.”
Alejandro whispers: “I love you, Mateo”
The hardest part about it was knowing we wouldn’t be there when they woke.
I am at peace that the Lord’s work was complete and it was time for us to move on to our next country, Guatemala…
