And I Was Hungry and You Fed Me

Later in the afternoon on Day 3 of our Missions Trip, we were able to be a part of the "Firefly" Program where a truck is loaded with food to serve near the School of Champions -- the area where there was a city dump where the children and adults would scavenge for food or items they could sell. The dump was moved, yet people have chosen to stay in that area. It was a sight to behold and we were so thankful we could play even a small role in not just giving out food, but have this scene indelibly imprinted in our hearts and minds.

What a shame it would be to come back home and forget about these precious people. That's why we're already on "mission" back at our homes......to continue to support what is being done to transform lives there. And here's the thing -- these are God's children and He loves them all, but we must be His hands and heart extended. We are His messengers.

And, though their existence is mere, I watched some of the women sweeping their dirt floors. I could see they still had some pride in their flimsy, not water proof in any way, dwelling places. It would seem that these people have "settled" for this to be their "lot" in life, but thanks be to God for these beautiful volunteers who purposefully encourage, support, feed, and provide options for their children to eventually leave these circumstances and better their lives. Some of these children have gone on to finish school, college and are now transformed to a life of meaning and purpose.

It's like the story of the starfish -- we can't help them all, but we can certainly make a difference one by one. That's what God calls us to do -- everyday -- at home and in places where we can "save" a life!

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." Matthew 5:25

School of Champions

Our 2nd day was still in progress as we made our way to the School of Champions. The School originated for “the Children of the Dump” to bring relief and hope to needy children and families living in and around the garbage dump areas of Puerto Vallarta. The adults and children picked through the garbage each day for food and to find items they could sell. With no water or electricity, they were forced to move their flimsy shacks every few days as the garbage was bulldozed towards them. It was a low level of existence for them. While the parents and older children worked, other children had to take care of the babies. The children didn’t attend school and without an education, were destined to repeat the cycle of poverty as their parents before them had.

Unless you can see it with your own eyes, it is unimaginable – mainly because we are people of so much “plenty”. It’s easy to say, “What a shame”, and go on our way. But, God shows up with His people and organizations that go the distance in making a difference. Perdon y Amistad Church supplies volunteers and vehicles for the program. Now, with the feeding program to help the children to concentrate and learn, getting the children into school, and keeping them there, is a major priority.

Funds were raised to build a community center by the dump. Thus, the School of Champions was born. The School, just two blocks from the entrance to the dump, is where students from primary schools in the area are taught Math, English and Computer skills in an after-school program. The School of Champions was created to raise the hope and expectancy for a better future for these children.

And, in this place, they can hear the good news of Christ, so it was where Staci Wallace and Tony Bouie spoke into their precious lives. Alexia Wallace sang, Payton Wallace & Joshua Sinclair gave their testimonies. Our hearts were so touched when the kids responded to Staci’s question “What is your biggest prayer request?” One child said, “For my dad to get out of jail”. Another, “for money for food”. Another, "for my mom to get well". But the one that touched us the most, was one precious boy’s reply, “for you not to forget us!” Then Staci asked them to write down their prayers and what they wanted to do in their future. And to our joy and delight, they wrote true hopes and dreams: “to be a professional soccer player”; “to be a veterinarian”, “to be a doctor”, “to be an artist”. What once represented hopelessness to them, through the dedication of difference-makers, these children now see themselves as winners and achievers. After the service, we fed the children.

At the conclusion of this day, we made our way back to our hotel -- drenched and exhausted from the heat, and weary from the long day……but we could not have been more inspired and exhilarated from having seen these precious children’s faces – aglow with love and thanksgiving – energized with a place that they felt love, respect and protection. "Being a miracle" is not only a blessing to the ones we're giving to, but somehow, the satisfaction of having helped someone, brings rewards that money can't buy and no one can ever take it away from us. What could ever compare to "being a miracle" in someone's world?

Making a Difference

Tomorrow, we head home from Mexico. What an amazing trip this has been for our team. Yesterday, we took bananas and sweet breads to what once was the city dump where people and little kids lived just to be able to find leftover food. Many still do live nearby where the roofs of their homes are plastic garbage bags, dirt floors, no running water or electricity.

Today we're serving hot meals to some of those kids and their parents at the School of Champions that is making such a difference in these children's lives. We're headed out this morning to buy soccer and basketballs and other needed athletic equipment for the school, as well as get some fun toys and equipment for the four day cares that we visited. We'll be able to tell you more when we get to easy access to wifi tomorrow. This country is so close to us in the states -- it's hard to believe that there's such poverty behind the tourist attractions and hotels. Suffice it to say, this trip has been transforming for our team.