It's a funny thing, here. The culture has so many layers that you don't really get to see, let alone understand, until after you've been here a while. And still, there are language and cultural barriers. But thank God, his love can transcend any barrier. Hugs aren't common in our barrio. But a kiss on the cheek is expected everywhere for greetings between men and women, women and women, and only among very close friends when men with men. In fact, one boy told me once I was the first person to ever hug him (at almost 18 years old). So, the awkward hugs from the gringo where different for them, but intriguingly comforting. Overtime, it became the norm for these kids who I was getting know. The practice spread somewhat and I don't know if they warned there friends or if they had observed, but every time I meet a new friend of our teens, they immediately greet me with a hug. Seems simple, but you'd be amazed at how quality contact goes, particularly for teens that come from broken or dysfunctional homes. I ask them about their relationships with their parents and it saddens me to hear responses such as, "when he isn't drunk he is really nice." Or, "we get along good, we just do our own thing, and stay out each other's way."
So, when I met Marcelo and Eric, I found more of the same and saw two boys who needed some love and investment. Not that they come from a horrible family, I've met their mom and she seems really tender-hearted. She must be given the boy's kind demeanor. Their family sells eggs in town and to other cities. But don't let their business mislead you, they scrape by just like everyone else in our neighborhood. They make do with what they have and live humbly.
Initially, they would come separately and very sporadically to the house with a few of the other boys. But now, Eric more than Marcelo, is a weekly regular, arriving early for bible study and for church. They both profess Christ, though have never made a profession or confession with me. But I try to steward the relationship as best I can, through discipleship, encouragement, etc. They listen intently to each study and message. The engage in the lessons, offering commentary and questions. I'm generally surprised by their knowledge of scripture. Neither had a bible when I met them, and I think I've replaced a lost one once or twice for them. They even bring their little brother, Luis, pretty regularly now. It's a little odd having a 9 year old in my youth group, but I love that he wants to come and learn. And, I love that his brothers thought it important to bring him. Although I've invited them several time, their parents have yet to come.
So, my goal with this post is to spot light one of the many families we minister to and ask for your prayers. Please pray for this family, for their salvation, for their boys. Pray for Marcelo and Eric to grow in Christ and in sincere faith. Pray for Luis that from his young age, he'll begin to see and perceive, hear and understand, the great and glorious news of Christ Jesus and his finished work of the Cross. Pray for their parents to know the Lord, and for desire to grow and learn to be placed in their heart. Pray for continued favor for us and the ministry we do here. Thank you so much for your labor of intercession on behalf of the Church in Bolivia. Thank you!
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| Two of the brothers are in this photo, however due to privacy and protection, names have been changed and we cannot post individual pictures. |
