Outside the sky is a clear blue and it's that time of day when the heat hits you and yet the breeze cools you down.
I came to the city today and went to Oitão Preto. As we walked into the community I couldn't not smile. The familiarity of the community with it's smells and feel and familiar buildings brought such joy to my heart. Yet in the midst of the familiar, things had changed with building having been torn down and others built up, but yet at the same time so much remained the same.
Entering we passed one of the boys I used to work with. As we spoke to him, his face broke into a big smile, revealing even less teeth than last time I saw him. He remembered me well and even asked after the other Elisabeth (there were two of us working here at the same time). He said he's doing well, even if his appearance would suggest otherwise, and yet I think in some way he is doing well for being him.
As we walked through there were the stray animals wondering around, people sat at their door entrances, all greeting us as we came past, and also the familiar sight of those involved in less favourable circumstances in life.
We walked to the middle of the community and entered what has now become the prayer house. As I realized it's location I was so reminded of the intentionality of God and how He has a purpose for everything- even providing a location for people to seek Him in the middle of a community known for other things.
As we walked to the top floor and into what is the prayer room my heart was so happy. It's at the top of the house and there is a balcony and widows with view of the sea and the roof tops of the community and parts of the city. The perfect location.
We spent some time just worshipping and praying. Connecting with God in a place which is such a dark place. Bringing light simply by gazing on Jesus who is Light, and knowing that simply doing that is bringing a transformation in the community. Many of those who live there are so lost in the lives they are living- be it through choosing the wrong way or being born into difficulty. It is hard to change the inner reality of those who live in such a dark place. And yet, I know that as Light comes in, they too will encounter the One who is Light. They too will have the chance to choose Him. And so knowing that words often don't do the trick, we prayed. Desiring to bring the breakthrough which would set those who are in captivity free.
After a while of praying and connecting with God we went for a little stroll through the community. Looking for one of the girls I was most connected with when I lived her. But she wasn't around. However, we met one of the boys I used to have in my little discipleship group and he gave me a big hug. He had grown into a young man and looked well, all considering. Last time I saw him he was a wreck from crack so maybe, just maybe things have turned around. I don't know, but it reminds me to pray for him. As we talked a bit he remembered a camp we'd taken our group to many years ago. And it made me remember how at the end his comment was: "I want to thank the tios for taking care of me the way a mother or father never has." I've taken many walks down memory lane since being here, and it fills my heart with such gratitude.
My heart feels full. Full of God's heart and full of a love for this city and these people. And I realize that when you let people come into your heart, they stay there even if you change location and even nation. And so many people that I have been carrying in my heart over the years are coming back to mind, and I hope that maybe I'll get to see a few more of them tomorrow when I go back to the community. And even if I don't, it's ok. I know that God knows them and remembers them.
So there you go- a little glimpse into the movements of my heart today.
I came to the city today and went to Oitão Preto. As we walked into the community I couldn't not smile. The familiarity of the community with it's smells and feel and familiar buildings brought such joy to my heart. Yet in the midst of the familiar, things had changed with building having been torn down and others built up, but yet at the same time so much remained the same.
Entering we passed one of the boys I used to work with. As we spoke to him, his face broke into a big smile, revealing even less teeth than last time I saw him. He remembered me well and even asked after the other Elisabeth (there were two of us working here at the same time). He said he's doing well, even if his appearance would suggest otherwise, and yet I think in some way he is doing well for being him.
As we walked through there were the stray animals wondering around, people sat at their door entrances, all greeting us as we came past, and also the familiar sight of those involved in less favourable circumstances in life.
We walked to the middle of the community and entered what has now become the prayer house. As I realized it's location I was so reminded of the intentionality of God and how He has a purpose for everything- even providing a location for people to seek Him in the middle of a community known for other things.
As we walked to the top floor and into what is the prayer room my heart was so happy. It's at the top of the house and there is a balcony and widows with view of the sea and the roof tops of the community and parts of the city. The perfect location.
We spent some time just worshipping and praying. Connecting with God in a place which is such a dark place. Bringing light simply by gazing on Jesus who is Light, and knowing that simply doing that is bringing a transformation in the community. Many of those who live there are so lost in the lives they are living- be it through choosing the wrong way or being born into difficulty. It is hard to change the inner reality of those who live in such a dark place. And yet, I know that as Light comes in, they too will encounter the One who is Light. They too will have the chance to choose Him. And so knowing that words often don't do the trick, we prayed. Desiring to bring the breakthrough which would set those who are in captivity free.
After a while of praying and connecting with God we went for a little stroll through the community. Looking for one of the girls I was most connected with when I lived her. But she wasn't around. However, we met one of the boys I used to have in my little discipleship group and he gave me a big hug. He had grown into a young man and looked well, all considering. Last time I saw him he was a wreck from crack so maybe, just maybe things have turned around. I don't know, but it reminds me to pray for him. As we talked a bit he remembered a camp we'd taken our group to many years ago. And it made me remember how at the end his comment was: "I want to thank the tios for taking care of me the way a mother or father never has." I've taken many walks down memory lane since being here, and it fills my heart with such gratitude.
My heart feels full. Full of God's heart and full of a love for this city and these people. And I realize that when you let people come into your heart, they stay there even if you change location and even nation. And so many people that I have been carrying in my heart over the years are coming back to mind, and I hope that maybe I'll get to see a few more of them tomorrow when I go back to the community. And even if I don't, it's ok. I know that God knows them and remembers them.
So there you go- a little glimpse into the movements of my heart today.