This morning we loaded up 18 street children and 2 street babies in a multicab (utility truck/van, used here in Philippines) and headed off for church. The church we go to is called Beautiful News Fellowship. The kids really love it there. The pastor at BNF has such a heart for street kids, worship, and a heart for Jesus. The church is learning what it means to welcome street kids to church, and the kids are learning what it means to be part of the body of Christ. Every week the kids go with us and every week they participate in worship and respond during the alter call. God is moving in their lives BIG time.
They were so cute as they came to the drop-in center early to take a bath before going to church. For now they understand that we don't have the budget or staff to have feeding twice a day, so they come early just to bathe, then we eat together after church back at the center.
Today I just felt so much joy as I watched them worship and learn about God's love for them. The first Sunday we took them to church, they ran into the church and sort of took it over with their voices and running and taking whatever wasn't nailed down. But, today, one month later, they entered early, not late, and greeted people as they made their way orderly to their seats. They are learning so much.
GO GOD!!!!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
A New Life
I have been just so overwhelmed with God's goodness, faithfulness, and nearness in the lives of the kids these past few weeks. I would like to share the story of one boy. He has been with us from day one. I remember when he first came to the center. He would come and sit as close to the door as possible, would not say a word, would not smile, and only worked on a 3-D puzzle we had every single day for the first month. We only knew his name; J.R. By the 3rd week he was starting to smile and even allowed a picture to be taken.
We knew he was a gang member, had many girlfriends, and had the possibility of being a very angry guy. We began to notice that he along with his 3 siblings were coming to the center daily.
1st his brother and his girlfriend who are 15 and 16 years old along with their baby who is now 11 months old.
The next is his sister who is 16 and finally his younger brother who is 15. The whole family lives together is a partially built abandoned house in a squatter area. Their mother left them about 10 years ago and their father is currently living with them but is a violent alcoholic. They also live together with approximately 25 other street kids in the partially built house.
The amazing thing to me is how little by little GOD is drawing them to Himself and changing their lives. The sister, Maricar, started attending school last month. She is 4th year high school. She has had some struggles but is doing well now. In the midst of her struggle at the start of the year, she quit school and stopped coming to the center. We all prayed and prayed for her. The principal of the Christian School where we enrolled her, would not give up on her. Maam Bendoy wanted to talk to her older brother, so we brought J.R. to the school. Before I knew what was happening the principal had persuaded J.R. to study and help his sister to return. J.R. is 21 years old and in 4th grade. He has been attending church with us for the last month and has such a heart for God. He has recently given his life to Jesus. And now he is attending school. According to J.R. :"I'm thankful for Ate Teresa, but it's not because of the food we receive everyday, it's not because of the things that are given to us, it is because of what God is doing in my heart; God is changing me little by little. I'm so thankful to God and for His love in my life. I want to learn to love Him more and I want me life to be lived for Him."
We knew he was a gang member, had many girlfriends, and had the possibility of being a very angry guy. We began to notice that he along with his 3 siblings were coming to the center daily.1st his brother and his girlfriend who are 15 and 16 years old along with their baby who is now 11 months old.
The next is his sister who is 16 and finally his younger brother who is 15. The whole family lives together is a partially built abandoned house in a squatter area. Their mother left them about 10 years ago and their father is currently living with them but is a violent alcoholic. They also live together with approximately 25 other street kids in the partially built house.The amazing thing to me is how little by little GOD is drawing them to Himself and changing their lives. The sister, Maricar, started attending school last month. She is 4th year high school. She has had some struggles but is doing well now. In the midst of her struggle at the start of the year, she quit school and stopped coming to the center. We all prayed and prayed for her. The principal of the Christian School where we enrolled her, would not give up on her. Maam Bendoy wanted to talk to her older brother, so we brought J.R. to the school. Before I knew what was happening the principal had persuaded J.R. to study and help his sister to return. J.R. is 21 years old and in 4th grade. He has been attending church with us for the last month and has such a heart for God. He has recently given his life to Jesus. And now he is attending school. According to J.R. :"I'm thankful for Ate Teresa, but it's not because of the food we receive everyday, it's not because of the things that are given to us, it is because of what God is doing in my heart; God is changing me little by little. I'm so thankful to God and for His love in my life. I want to learn to love Him more and I want me life to be lived for Him."
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