Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been getting messages from Jean about visiting a family that hosts a ministry that she’s a part of. As we traded messages back and forth, Jean and I were able to get to know each other a little, despite the fact we had never met. I’ve heard all about the feedings and ministry these families do for a neighborhood and today, I was finally able to join them. Jean met me early this morning and it was a blessing to finally meet her. She told me we needed to pick up a few people along the way, and with one stop, we had a packed out car.
I was able to hear about this ministry that was started by a family I’ve already written about, Emilio’s. Despite the fact that they are living well below the poverty line and fighting to get their own son out of prison, they still feel God has called them to open their home to help out their neighborhood. I knew Jean was well connected with this family, but I had no idea that Emilio was the one opening up his home so often. It’s times like these I wish God made missionaries the ones with the large bank accounts, but unfortunately, that would be too easy. Where would the trust and faith come from?
We sang songs that I’ve heard easily a thousand times now, but they took on new meaning watching these kids sing them. I haven’t seen these kids before and they’re receiving good teaching, singing their hearts out, and having a warm meal at the end. With only one more week left, I felt bad that I wasn’t able to join with Jean more often. The kids she is ministering to don’t get much more than this. Many of them are not in school, their parents are off working in the farms, and they’re just there. I’m sure seeing Jean and her team showing up brings them excitement.
On the way home, Jean told me a little about their hope for that area. It’s not about getting bigger and expanding to other neighborhoods. Their dream is all about depth and making sure that every generation that comes out of that area knows the Word and gets fed regularly. My mind often goes to, if something is good, how can we make it bigger and better? This is a great program, but I see the importance of growing deep and not wide. I’m praying for Jean and the teachers she brings with her each week because they are doing a great work in helping raise those kids. For now, I’ll just continue to pray for provision…
