The Galilea Gang!

Yesterday we invited the 24 sponsor kids that are attending Galilea – the Christian School in Chisec – out to the mission for an afternoon of activities.  All but 5 were able to come. 

We spent some time writing letters to their sponsors, taking photos, playing games and doing crafts. We also shared from the Word and emphasized that they are important in the Kingdom of God.  Cindy spoke to the older kids, while I took the wee ones. 

I shared with them the story of Joseph and how God has a plan for each one of us.  I found two children’s bibles in Spanish that were the same and had amazing illustrations.  My little charges were totally absorbed in the story, looking at the pictures and counting the sheep, brothers, sheathes of wheat, stars, cows, etc.  It was so clear that simply reading from a book is a rare occurrence in this culture.  Unlike North American homes, there are no books in homes here.  When families have barely enough resources to feed, clothe and house their families, luxuries like books are non-existent.  And so, children are not read to before they go to sleep.  Add to the economic obstacles the fact that often their parents are not able to read and there are no libraries to borrow books from even if they were literate.  What a challenge!  I remember when my children were young.  Some of our most precious times were when we were snuggled up together with a book, reading and sharing. 

Among all the other pressing needs we see around us, the Lord has burdened me with these two challenges:  moms who cannot read and no access to a library.   I do not yet know what I can or will do to address these two issues, but I know the Lord is stirring something within me.  Please pray for me, regarding this – that I would be sensitive to the Lord’s leading and be willing to obey when He prompts.    

Anyway, after the kids went home with their treasures from the afternoon, Cindy and I reflected on what an amazing group of kids we have the privilege of knowing and helping.  To each of you, who have generously sponsored a child, thank you.  Please know that it is making a difference in life of the child you are helping.  They are receiving an education from the best school in the area; they are hearing the Word of God, daily, being taught by teachers who know and love the Lord and walk out their faith daily.  They have an understanding of the Lord’s provision in their lives simply because you, a stranger, have reached out to help.  

We may not know what the future holds for this group of pretty amazing young people, but God knows, and His plans are always good and always bigger than we can imagine.