God answers prayers.

Last week, I told the story of Fernando, a 12 year old boy in Honduras, who decided to quit school and return to the streets. (If you haven't already, please read "We all just want to belong.") His older brother, Josue, was buying drugs for him. When I looked deeper at the root issue, I came to the conclusion that what these boys want, really what we all want, is to feel loved and accepted...to feel like we are a part of something...we want to belong. My prayer was that Fernando and Josue (and others who daily choose street life) would begin to see the hope, love, and acceptance that we find in Christ.

[Fernando in the colegio in Los Pinos]

Well, in the past week, Fernando has come off the streets and is staying on the property with Tony & Nidia. He is enjoying life surrounded by Christians and beginning to experience the love and acceptance he was searching for. He is able to be a kid again! Now, his days consist of playing with toy cars, climbing trees, eating three meals a day, watching movies, and being wrapped up in warm blankets and hugs. A week ago, he was living on the streets, getting high on paint thinner, eating from the garbage dump, and robbing people. 

His brother, Josue, used to live with Tony & Nidia for about 5 months. He was studying one-on-one with a volunteer teacher learning how to read and write. He had a huge collection of Hot Wheels matchbox cars to show for his accomplishments and good work. Then one day in September, he got up and left without telling anyone where he was going. He took his bike and backpack full of cars and left. We found out later that night that he had returned to Los Pinos.  

[me & Josue--movie night on the patio in September]

I have been worried about him ever since he left. The word on the street was that he was getting high almost daily and buying drugs for Fernando. One day last week, he disappeared. Nobody knew where he was, not even his mom or brothers. I began to pray that the Lord would protect him and bring him back safely. Yesterday, Josue came to Tony with tears in his eyes. Yes, a teenage boy--a tough guy who lives on the streets and takes care of himself--crying!! He told Tony he wants a second chance in the ministry. 

I am so thankful that God is using people like Tony & Nidia to show the love of Christ to a broken and hurting community, and I can't wait to go back and be a part of it all! Please continue to pray for their ministry and for provision, wisdom, and discernment as they continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Honduras.

[Nidia & Tony]