Slum Life

Today before we went out I was reading the book of John where Jesus talks about the well that never runs dry. Jacob built a well that quenched the physical thirst for a few hours, but Jesus was able to provide everlasting relief. It was so great that I read this today before going to the slums because it's impossible for one man to erase poverty. You can provide relief for a few minutes. You can take their mind off their pain for some hours, but you can't cure all of their physical needs. However, regardless of what state the people we have worked with here are in, when they have Jesus they have hope. They have someone to talk to when they feel overwhelmed. They have a shoulder to cry on.

Our trip to the slums today was incredibly difficult. The need was so great and the people are so hungry they attack you. You know that you can't fix their situation, but you can show them Jesus through your kindness and your generosity. They will remember the day the Americans came with the missonary and gave food and toys. They will remember the day they played soccer.

You see our team smiling in the photos, but inside it's a struggle to see these children and families who need so much and know you can only do so much. Brian and his wife Ruth run an amazing program here. They have a group that focuses on the slums and the street children. They provide these kids who can't go to school an informal education.

They have an anti human trafficking divison that takes girls from the bars and provides them opportunities to work in various industries. They teach them computer skills, restaurants skills, English, sewing machine operation and they have a beauty school. I was so excited to see this ministry and hope to return to help one day.

Recently they have had to focus on earthquake relief because many people are pretending to be humanitarians and ultimately end up trafficking the people. It's a sad cycle. Brian's team plans to build at least 30 houses and continue to help those who are suffering from the devastation. Pray for stability of the earth because with every major quake houses that are partially standing will fall.