Flies, Raw Sewage, Crime

June 9, 2013 (Sunday) In the midst of the slum well hidden behind rusty and worn iron sheets sits a small church struggling to move forward with what God has for them.  So many times they have had to start over because of theft.  So many times they have had to move because of hiked rental fees but they continue to bless the Lord.

Poverty excels in such a place and praying for jobs is number one on the prayer list. Crime takes over the nights. Jackie tells me of a man that was shot and killed close to her home.  They approached him with guns in their hands and demanded money.  He was not a man of wealth. He was like so many others here in the slum living day by day without anything extra.  Their demands were not satisfied and his life was taken.

 

Raw sewage runs beside the pathway right to the church door.  Flies multiply in the ever growing rubbish that fills the land. It is a land full of filth and disease.  During the week children run the same path as they enter through the wooden church door for school.  They come to school hungry and weak. They are tired because they missed a good night’s sleep because of hunger pains.   Their running noses and coughs never stop nor do the smoldering fires of garbage along the way.

As they play on grounds with garbage and debris they run to us with something they have found.  A hypodermic needle is taken from the little hands that so proudly brought it.  There is no evidence of surprise or alarm of such a find but a pat on the child’s back for doing the right thing.

 

The church is well attended and praise continues to flow upward.  They dream of better days and cry out to God in thanks for all that he has done.  He is the one that sustains them and fills their hearts with joy.

 

 

They have not given up under enormous challenges.  Their land is waste land but their hearts are beautiful gardens.

Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them,  that those who love your name may rejoice in you.