There is a child named Kelvean who my teammate Cameron and I have been very intentional about building a relationship with in the slum. When we first met the boy he was very timid and wore a posture of anger. Cameron was the first to approach him and he just bent down and hugged this kid. Kelvean had no idea what to do; he acted like he had never been touched in his life. I am not sure what his home situation is but this kid in a matter of day warmed up to the both of us. What we have done for this child is not the point though; it’s what he has done for us. One night during service he ran up to me and held out his hand and dropped a sealed piece of candy in my hand. You can by these at the local store for a peso or two. Here is a kid who wears the same clothes everyday and he is sacrificing his money for my pleasure.
I find myself coming back to this interaction time and time again in my mind because I struggle with being generous. I know that this kid is not wired this way because when we play stickball this kid is fighting other kids for the bat. I am talking swing fists and exchanging kicks. It just kind of hit me, he doesn’t see me rather he is feeling the love of Christ. His heart is changing even if it’s just a little. I know this isn’t just a random event because I have experienced it with other children here. I was walking home the other day and talking with a kid who lives on the street and shines shoes for money. He is like 7 or 8 and literally has no parents and no home. He wanted me to play Nintendo with him at a game café and he pulls out his money to show that he would pay. I am not naïve and am sure these kids want some attention to be sure, however, I would go out on a limb and say they feel the genuine love that Christ is conveying through us. I titled this Stealing From Those In Need because I want what they have. They are not bound by the riches of the world or held captive by fear but desire love. They may be hearing about Christ for the first time through us, however, it’s evident that His word is written on their hearts. They give freely and want abundantly and what I seek is to have the faith of these children
