This month God put me in a place where the streets have no name. A place where darkness is the norm. Where all it does is rain. He put me in a place where the houses are illegally built, and the water system is someone else’s sewage. A place where the electricity is a skinny wire strung from the electric pole to a light bulb in the center of a house. A place where prostitution isn’t “worth the money” unless it’s underage. This month I’ve lived in a place where gun shots during worship have stopped surprising us. A place where it would be weird if you didn’t hear strange noises outside throughout the night. A place where you never know who you can trust. A place where you just don’t bother the drug dealers. A place where all a girl knows is sexual abuse. A place where home isn’t safe for any child. A place where getting robbed at gunpoint is just another day. A place where “smart” people won’t go. A place where churches refuse to enter.
This month God put me in a place where the rarity of the gospel only fuels its impact. A place where bibles are used so much the pages are falling out. A place where people take 2 hours, 3 buses, and their Saturday to disciple others. A place where 7 year olds have memorized over 400 bible verses. A place where 12 year old boys are leading entire youth groups. A place where 14 year old girls have no room in their heart for fear, because that spot is taken. A place where Jesus isn’t a Sunday but He’s a protector for the walk to school, a protector for a night home alone with an uncle, a forgiver of past murders, a father to the fatherless, and someone who’s been the only one to never fail.
This month, God showed me that the light is always brightest when it’s shown in the darkness.
Thanks for reading.
“Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” – Proverbs 15:30
Additional Information – This month we’re working at a feeding center in the middle of the slums. Every afternoon, children of all school ages come and eat. For some of them it’s their only meal of the day. The feeding center also holds church services on Sundays and an array of community activities (movie nights, dance parties, etc.). Several of our teams are working at the surrounding schools in the area and our team dedicates our time to playing with the kids that come through the feeding center every day. Thank you for all of your prayers 🙂
