Thursday, March 15, 2012

New City Dump Experiences

YWAM at the City Dump
At the end of January we partnered with a group of twenty-five young people from YWAM Denver on a three-week outreach. One of the most touching times of ministry that we had together was at the city dump. YFC has been many times, but it was a new experience to go with this group of kids who were eager to share the love of Christ through song, dance, and drama.
puppet presentation by YWAM




The YWAM team scattered throughout the crowd and showed people the genuine love of the Father. Despite the various cultural barriers separating them from the people at the dump, the team allowed the Holy Spirit to fill in the gaps and minister to the people.


Humility and Sacrifice
As our time at the dump was wrapping up, it was especially touching to turn and see one of the guys from the group, Patrick, humbling himself in a moving act of service. Patrick not only offered to give away his shoes, but honored his new friend by kneeling down and washing his feet.
It is hard for us to find the words to describe the beauty of this moment. We are reminded of Jesus' ministry when he walked this earth, and the humility that he showed towards both friends and strangers. And, of course, this reminds us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross to save us from our sins.


Hope
Every time we approach the city dump, we can see the birds circling overhead from a mile away. They are such a regular part of our experience there that we have learned to go without noticing them. But during this most recent trip to the dump, the birds caught our eye.


You see, we only ever see black vultures at the dump. But this time, we noticed that among a swarm of vultures flew one white dove. The situation that the people living at the dump are in often seems like complete darkness. This dove reminded us that we always have hope in Jesus Christ.
"According to [God's] great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you..."                                                      1 Peter 1:3-4
Look closely in the top, right corner for the dove!


Welcome Tom
We are excited to welcome Tom Lebo to Honduras and our ministry! After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in December, Tom saw the doors open to devote three months to missions with us here in Tegucigalpa. We are excited for the work he is doing teaching English at La Roca, as well as his participation in our other ministries. You can check out his blog here.

Aben and Tom
Tom with some of his students at La Roca