The Project ME738 is connected to “The First Church of the Nazarene (Jesus)”. Nazarene is a pentecostal denomination in
It was a warm day, and the church was very open - no windows, and no enclosed wall on one side. I figured the weather must be warm/hot the whole year round, but was surprised when the family said that this wasn’t typical weather. I can’t imagine what it’s like when it’s colder. Translator Irma and I arrived before church started, and were escorted to the front row, where I met Danna. She was shy and polite. During the service she was busting to go out with the other kids, but Mama made her stay in and sit next to me. I felt sorry for her.
The music was led by a team of six young guys, and was phenomenal and passionate, which are two words that could be used to describe the whole service. It didn’t matter that I didn’t understand a word they were saying, apart from maybe “Gracias Senor”(Thank you God) or “Nombre de Jesus” (name of Jesus). I did recognise “Open the Eyes of My Heart” and “Agnus Dei.”
I felt the presence of God in that place. The lads displayed incredible talent and ability on their instruments, swapped instruments at times, and played without any sheet music. I learned they also sometimes travel around and lead worship at other churches in the area. I was thrilled to find out later that three of those guys were former Compassion-sponsored kids, now using their gifts and talents for the glory of God! I love stories like that!
On this day there were between 200 and 300 people at the church, and it was interesting to observe the way they did things, and how different it was to a lot of churches I’ve been part of. There was a real healthy fear of the Lord in the place, and their faith and joy, even in their circumstances, was tangible. I was moved to tears, and beyond words, grateful and humbled to be there, feeling like I was in the presence of true worshippers.
The pastor of the church has been very sick, and appeared quite old and frail. He made his return to church on this day. I only talked to him briefly but he clearly inspires the people of his church, and has authority and their respect.
When the worship leader prayed, he or she got down on their knees. Postures of worship were very important – about three different times in the service, approx 50 people or so came to the front and lay prostrate before God. The people were very physically affectionate, with each other and with me. I was embraced more times than I could count, which is something I’m not used to, but have become comfortable with.
A young woman preached on this day (for over an hour), and she was strong, bold and passionate. There were no notes, or fandangled Powerpoint slides. The only tools she used were a whiteboard with three dot points and her sword – the Word of God.
A definite highlight was being able to get up and play the drums with the music team lads. It was a big ask for them, but I asked if they knew the song “One Way, Jesus”, and sure enough they did, so we belted that out. At first the people were just sitting, treating it like an item, but one of the church leaders exhorted them to stand, and soon we had a church full of 300 people celebrating Jesus as “the Way the Truth and the Life”.
As I was belting it out, a thought dawned on me that was so profound and humbling I nearly fell off my chair: I’m doing what God has gifted me to do (playing drums), and we might come from “different universes”, but I’m leading a church of 300 Mexicans in joyfully celebrating and glorifying OUR God, the Creator of the universe. It doesn’t get much better than that.
A young woman preached on this day (for over an hour), and she was strong, bold and passionate. There were no notes, or fandangled Powerpoint slides. The only tools she used were a whiteboard with three dot points and her sword – the Word of God.
A definite highlight was being able to get up and play the drums with the music team lads. It was a big ask for them, but I asked if they knew the song “One Way, Jesus”, and sure enough they did, so we belted that out. At first the people were just sitting, treating it like an item, but one of the church leaders exhorted them to stand, and soon we had a church full of 300 people celebrating Jesus as “the Way the Truth and the Life”.
As I was belting it out, a thought dawned on me that was so profound and humbling I nearly fell off my chair: I’m doing what God has gifted me to do (playing drums), and we might come from “different universes”, but I’m leading a church of 300 Mexicans in joyfully celebrating and glorifying OUR God, the Creator of the universe. It doesn’t get much better than that.
After we finished playing, I got off, but they yelled for an encore, so we played “Trading My Sorrows”, which they had done earlier in the service. I was then able to share briefly with the people. In all honesty I felt so inadequate, small, empty and broken. I was coming from such a privileged and blessed country, where we take EVERYTHIN G for granted and have everything we could ever need or want, and I was standing before these spiritual giants, who have nothing materially, but are so content, joyful and filled with faith and trust in their loving God. What was I supposed to say?
Thankfully, God gave me words. This is what I shared “I have only been in your community for a very short time, and I can tell your lives are hard. I cannot pretend to know what your lives are like, but need to tell you, I can feel your faith, joy and passion for Jesus. I can only encourage you, as the apostle Paul says in the Bible to “Fight the good fight, finish the race and claim the prize that Jesus has for us – eternal life.” True hope, joy and freedom only come from faith in Jesus.”
Home Visit
Danna’s family consists of Mama, older sister (Miss Ten) and older brother (Mr 14). Miss Ten is sponsored by a Korean family, and has received a total of one letter and photo. Mr 14 was sponsored, but left the program. I get the impression that, for whatever reason, he just didn’t want to be part of it anymore. They have aunts and cousins living next door. Mama works at Casa Dias (“Day House”), a government organisation where people get support and learn skills.
When I first saw their house, I asked how many other people live with them, but it was just Mama and the three kids. I thought it was quite big for a family of four. They have electricity, bathroom, one bedroom, and dirt floor. The house has wooden foundations and an iron sheet roof. What really struck me is how this family take pride in their home despite their humble circumstances. They still had their Christmas tree and decorations up, as well as a tribute in the corner to their deceased grandmother who died – a table with a photo, candles and a Bible.
The church service did not finish until afterone o’clock , so we shelved our original plans. We were going to take Danna to Tuxtla, which was a large city about 80km away, for lunch. However, whenever I visit my Compassion kids, my priority is spending as much time as I can with the family and seeing their home and environment. So someone went out and bought some lunch and we ate at Danna’s home.
We were joined for lunch by the little cousins and a couple of aunts. There was good conversation and lots of questions. I was humbled by their generosity and hospitality. They did ask what I thought of their home and neighbourhood, but they didn’t seem overly concerned, insecure or ashamed. Once again, there was a sense of contentment in what God has provided for them.
Danna’s father has not been on the scene for 8 years, since she was a baby. Mama said he left for theUnited States to look for a job, and never came back. An all-too-common story in these parts of the world. I asked her if she was expecting that to happen when he left, and she said “no”, so it wasn’t like they were fighting and he stormed out. I could feel a sense of loss there. This makes Mister 14 the man of the house, and my role as Danna's sponsor even more significant.
After lunch our little tribe (7 kids, 6 adults) headed out into the neighbourhood. It seemed quiet and safe with paved roads, and Danna said enjoys living there. Our first stop was a public football stadium, complete with synthetic surface. I had already introduced them to the strange, red egg-shaped ball that is an Australian football, so we were planning to have a kick. However, there were already a bunch of teenage boys at the park, playing that OTHER football, the round-ball variety.
They were on a break, since their soccer ball had burst and they were waiting for someone to bring back a replacement ball, so the kids and I got on and had a kick of the footy. I can’t imagine what the soccer boys were thinking at this sight! I tried to get the lads involved by kicking it near them, but only had one or two takers. Most of them were bemused by it and treated it almost like a bomb when it came near. However, it didn’t stop them wanting a photo taken with me when they found out I was Australian. There’s now a bizarre photo of me among a bunch of Mexican soccer boys, wearing a New York Knicks shirt (American basketball), wearing an Aussie cap and holding an Australian football!
After this we headed up the road to a local soccer ground, where there was a proper match going on, and playground. Here I had an interesting bathroom experience. Being a local soccer match inMexico , the changerooms are guarded by an armed policeman and he led me into one of them, where there was a solitary toilet in the corner. When the time came to wash my hands, I looked around puzzledly for a sink, but he came and pointed to the cistern of the toilet, which was indeed filled with water, but obviously not the kind I was originally thinking! So for the first time in my life, I washed my hands in the cistern of a toilet…
Thankfully, God gave me words. This is what I shared “I have only been in your community for a very short time, and I can tell your lives are hard. I cannot pretend to know what your lives are like, but need to tell you, I can feel your faith, joy and passion for Jesus. I can only encourage you, as the apostle Paul says in the Bible to “Fight the good fight, finish the race and claim the prize that Jesus has for us – eternal life.” True hope, joy and freedom only come from faith in Jesus.”
Home Visit
Danna’s family consists of Mama, older sister (Miss Ten) and older brother (Mr 14). Miss Ten is sponsored by a Korean family, and has received a total of one letter and photo. Mr 14 was sponsored, but left the program. I get the impression that, for whatever reason, he just didn’t want to be part of it anymore. They have aunts and cousins living next door. Mama works at Casa Dias (“Day House”), a government organisation where people get support and learn skills.
When I first saw their house, I asked how many other people live with them, but it was just Mama and the three kids. I thought it was quite big for a family of four. They have electricity, bathroom, one bedroom, and dirt floor. The house has wooden foundations and an iron sheet roof. What really struck me is how this family take pride in their home despite their humble circumstances. They still had their Christmas tree and decorations up, as well as a tribute in the corner to their deceased grandmother who died – a table with a photo, candles and a Bible.
The church service did not finish until after
We were joined for lunch by the little cousins and a couple of aunts. There was good conversation and lots of questions. I was humbled by their generosity and hospitality. They did ask what I thought of their home and neighbourhood, but they didn’t seem overly concerned, insecure or ashamed. Once again, there was a sense of contentment in what God has provided for them.
Danna’s father has not been on the scene for 8 years, since she was a baby. Mama said he left for the
After lunch our little tribe (7 kids, 6 adults) headed out into the neighbourhood. It seemed quiet and safe with paved roads, and Danna said enjoys living there. Our first stop was a public football stadium, complete with synthetic surface. I had already introduced them to the strange, red egg-shaped ball that is an Australian football, so we were planning to have a kick. However, there were already a bunch of teenage boys at the park, playing that OTHER football, the round-ball variety.
They were on a break, since their soccer ball had burst and they were waiting for someone to bring back a replacement ball, so the kids and I got on and had a kick of the footy. I can’t imagine what the soccer boys were thinking at this sight! I tried to get the lads involved by kicking it near them, but only had one or two takers. Most of them were bemused by it and treated it almost like a bomb when it came near. However, it didn’t stop them wanting a photo taken with me when they found out I was Australian. There’s now a bizarre photo of me among a bunch of Mexican soccer boys, wearing a New York Knicks shirt (American basketball), wearing an Aussie cap and holding an Australian football!
After this we headed up the road to a local soccer ground, where there was a proper match going on, and playground. Here I had an interesting bathroom experience. Being a local soccer match in
The kids (and I) then had a play on the playground. I did not need my translator Irma for this, because fun on a playground transcends every language. The equipment was rusted and quite primitive, but they even had one of those wizzy-dizz rides that you hop on and someone pushes it round until everyone gets dizzy. They’re the ones that are very rare, if not extinct, in Australia because the local councils are too scared of getting sued.
We finally headed back to the house for gifts and goodbyes, sweaty and content after a couple of hours of simple fun. I much preferred this to the original arrangement, which would have had us doing a lot of sitting in cars.
A holy moment I have been able to experience in every visit is the giving of gifts. I brought pretty much the same thing for each child, with a couple of extra things for two girls having a birthday and the ones with larger families.
Every child gets a teddy bear, even the older ones. One cannot underestimate the comfort and security a person gets from having their own teddy bear, particularly considering the lives these kids have. My one boy Antonio will be getting a soccer ball and the girls receive simple silver necklaces with a fish symbol containing the word “Jesus”.
After seeing the living conditions of pretty much all the kids so far, I have often struggled to hold it together as I was struck by the symbolism as I put the necklace gently round each girl's neck and pointed out the word on the Fish - Jesus. He is their only hope, and I’m very blessed to know that the majority of my Compassion kids already recognise and acknowledge this.
Every child gets a teddy bear, even the older ones. One cannot underestimate the comfort and security a person gets from having their own teddy bear, particularly considering the lives these kids have. My one boy Antonio will be getting a soccer ball and the girls receive simple silver necklaces with a fish symbol containing the word “Jesus”.
After seeing the living conditions of pretty much all the kids so far, I have often struggled to hold it together as I was struck by the symbolism as I put the necklace gently round each girl's neck and pointed out the word on the Fish - Jesus. He is their only hope, and I’m very blessed to know that the majority of my Compassion kids already recognise and acknowledge this.
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