Continued from Wednesday:
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40
As we were riding with Luis, the principal, I asked the one question everyone thinks about when seeing a ministry, “Where do you receive your financial support?” I was expecting a church from the U.S., but I was surprised when he said the support comes from local churches around the Chimaltenango area. He was very proud of how they had been able to provide at least a small snack for the children everyday since they began. They were renting a building that was too small and the only play area was on the roof!
Since last July, they have moved to a bigger facility with a side dirt yard! They are able to feed all of the children in one room and have a room for devotions. The rent is more than the previous place due to the size. They signed a two year contract trusting that God will provide the rent money they need. As of June 26, they did not have the money for July’s rent. Mr. Jeff Holifield was able to present them with rent money for the next three months! This money was given through Friendship Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School offering and a few generous supporters. Thrilled, Thankful, Overwhelmed are understatements for how they felt!
Several months ago, Coach Eric Collier told me Theodore High School football team was raising money to feed the kids at the school. Coach Collier quickly let me know that his players were not to ask their parents for an extra $20, but they were to give sacrificially from their own money. He wants his players to be part of something that is bigger than themselves. They raised enough money to feed the 135 children three meals! One morning the group lost count of how many pancakes they made, and the kids were able to get third and fourth servings! One cute, six year old boy ate seven pancakes before they could ever hit his plate! Thank you Coach Collier for making a difference in the lives of teenage boys and leading by example!
Today their schedule allows me to feed them lunch. The menu will be spaghetti, rolls, bananas, and peanut butter. Ironically, my least favorite school cafeteria lunch is spaghetti (for many reasons), but Rita, my Guatemala expert, tells me that spaghetti is a huge blessing to them.
We realize that you are the reason we are able to provide a meal to 135 hungry children who work in the dump. Your financial support allows us to partner with Pastor Luis and make a difference in the precious lives of these kids. We have the privilege of being the hands and feet of Christ. Every child that leaves the school today without hunger pains is because of you. We are grateful for you!
***Will someone please tell Soy that just because we live in Guatemala does not mean he needs a Guatemalan haircut? He told the barber that he wants to look like David Beckham!
Shining Light Abroad Ministries 