October 12th 2017 has nothing significant about it at all. It would seem as if it would have a special meaning, especially since I started with the date, but I only wanted to mention it because it was the first day here in Tocopilla, Chile. Will I remember this date in about 4 years? Probably not the specific date, but I will remember that I was in Chile in October. Ok, so maybe it is important.
We landed in Santiago, Chile on the 11th, rode a bus throughout the night, and finally made it to our home for the month on the 12th. I was very unsure about the town and the area since it was so new to us. As we stepped off of the bus all I could remember was the barren landscape, the mass amounts of filthy flee ridden dogs, and the familiar, yet foreign language coming from the locals. My mind could not comprehend where I was or why a town would be located in such an area. I am only saying this because of the fact that no vegetation grows here naturally. Absolutely Nothing. All that’s really here is saltwater, dirt, rocks, dog poop, and a lot more dirt. It doesn’t rain or snow. It Is Just Dirt and Sun.
After a few days of getting our feet wet or dirty actually; things started looking different. In an area where everything looks dead, it’s hard to imagine that there could be any life. Seriously, the majority of raggedy dogs are on the verge of dying, and many of the people are zombie like. They just live here without actually living. Don’t get me wrong, they do have things to do here for fun, but most of the people don’t seem ALIVE. They seem dead inside despite the fact they are breathing, walking, and talking to one another.
Our team has only been here for 15 days, but its so amazing to start to see why we are here. We seem to be the first of our kind in this town. A bunch of Jesus loving gringos who want to spread Love, Joy, and Happiness with the people here. Our team brings such a light to this town and the people who inhabit this “Mars” like location. It’s not because we are the loud obnoxious Americans, but because the people are seeing the happiness and love that we have witnessed and received ourselves. They watch as we laugh out loud with one another, we are constantly smiling, and say Hola to any and everyone. (Even the puppies and Gatos) Our presence alone is affecting the people of this town and it’s SO SO cool to see. Our ministry host and his wife are livelier than they were in the beginning just 2 weeks ago. The jokes don’t stop and the friendly banter continues even with the difference in language. They laugh at our Spanish; our boring hotdogs, and our host thinks it Hilarious to scare my teammate Amy. (She desperately wanted to be mention in my blog)
Besides all the joking and laughter, we have been able to do a couple of house visits, pray with people, and just show them compassion. The few families we have met are simply amazing and ended up touching our lives with their stories. They shared their gratitude about us talking/sharing with people around the town. We are simply acting as a conduit that is bringing hope to a town that is in desperate need of Christ’s Love and Grace. My heart hurts for these people here and I am beyond grateful for David and Gracia Soto for starting a revelation for Gods kingdom in this town. Amazing changes are in the works and it’s a blessing to be a part of the start. Prayers are so so so encouraged for the good works that are starting here, prayers for the families who have Christ, and prayers for the families who still need to hear about and receive Christ.
Jesús es el Camino, la Verdad, y la Vida.
“Do not be afraid; your will not be put to shame.
Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.”
Isaiah 54:4
