.jpg)
I recently returned from Rio Bravo Children’s Home in Reynosa, Mexico. I enjoy my time with Ray and Leah Hansen who have a heart for God and a wonderful vision to care for abused and abandoned children. These children come from very difficult and painful situations. After arriving, they are placed in a home with other children in their age group. The large home has a family atmosphere with Mexican house-parents who dearly love the children.
All the needs of the new arrivals are met: housing, food, clothing, medical, and dental in a safe environment. There is even a school on the property to advance their education. As their physical and spiritual needs are met, the children slowly grow into acceptance of the new surroundings.
Watching the children play, everything looks normal but their backgrounds are far from what most would call normal. As you would expect, the children come to the home with a large amount of fear as to what their future holds. They do not know the Lord has a plan to bless them and to care for them. When some of the children receive their first meals, it is not unusual for them to slip some of the food into their pockets. The parents encourage the children that they will receive three meals a day, but for a few days they will still put food in their pockets. Slowly they realize they WILL be fed every day and their pockets no longer become a storehouse. They accept that the people who love them will care for them every day.
.jpg)
This is a clear example of Matthew 6:31-34:
31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The children are taught about the faithfulness of our Lord and are encouraged to seek Him and walk in a loving relationship with our Savior for the rest of their lives. The words in these verses apply to all ages.
What is in your pocket?
Bruce...thanks for the reminder to empty out my pockets to make room for more blessings from God. When I see these kids...I am reminded that years and years ago...as we slept on the floors with the scorpions...that through Ray and Leah we have part of the inheritance in these kids. Thanks for leading us into the will of God on these mission trips.
ReplyDelete