Sunday - Church Day and More Fun with the Children

On Sunday morning, the children at cereal for breakfast and then got ready to go to Sunday School. Before leaving, Samuel shared his testimony with our team. Sammy was abandoned when he was only six months old, and left on the steps of an albuergue that was run by nuns. He lived there until he was seven, then was moved to another home in Tuxtla. While he was there, he made friends with some boys who were used to stealing. This was their occupation, basically. So he learned how to steal. He was shuffled to another home there before being returned to Tapachula, which is when he came to this home. He has had trouble in school, and has been involved with drugs here. For a period of time, he was kicked out of school and did manual labor. So, his life here has not been easy, either. But he feels he is on the right track -- he wants to do the right thing. We prayed for him when he was finished.

We went to church at the Nazarene Church. One of the pastors there is one of the new houseparents at the boys' home -- she works mostly with youth. Today was her day to preach in church, apparently, and we were all taken by her enthusiasm and passion for her ministry. The church service was more than two hours long -- something none of us are used to! There was a lot of singing, two times of prayer, a sermon, a vote for a new district representative, and, of course, announcements!

We went to the girls' home to prepare lunch for ALL 43 of the children, the staff, and our team. Steve grilled hot dogs, served with chips. There was ice cream and cookies for dessert later in the day. Our teammate Wendy brought ideas and equipment for two very fun outdoor games, which we played in the girls' backyard. Everyone had fun getting to know all of the children. It is especially nice to see the siblings together.

After a very long day, we returned to the boys' home. We read to them and played games while the little ones took their showers. Haidee did the devotional tonight for the boys. She gave her testimony to them. She talked about how her heart used to be full of bitterness, and she wasn't a very nice person (which is very difficult for anyone on our team to imagine). She had three children but didn't enjoy being a mother. One day, she decided to give all of her life to God, and she asked him to help her overcome the darkness in her life. Now, every day she is grateful for all that she has and she is a very happy, positive person. 

After the boys were all in bed, our team was privileged to hear Elvis' testimony. Elvis is 19 years old --the oldest of five brothers, and has been in the boys' home for eleven years. His dad was put in prison for selling drugs, and he lived in the prison with his mother and brothers before being brought into this boys' home. His brother Jonathan was three and a half when they came to live here. The other three  brothers joined them later when they were old enough. Elvis always made very good grades in school, even when he didn't try very hard. There was a time a couple of years ago when Elvis felt that he needed to leave the boys' home. He wanted to take his brothers with him, but was not allowed. He lived with his parents for awhile, then lived with a friend who had helped him find some work. His parents did end up taking the other four boys out of the home. During that time, his dad was in a very bad accident and lost some of the use of one of his legs -- he could no longer work. Elvis became the one who was responsible for food and clothing for his brothers -- for the family, really. He wanted very badly for his brothers to get back into school because he knew that they would have a better life only if they had an education. Eventually, the brothers were brought back into the home, and in October, Elvis asked Hope and Steve if he could return as well.  They welcomed him with open arms and he is now finishing his high school education in a GED-like program. He is a huge help around the home, especially with the younger boys. He helps them with bathing and dressing, and reminds them of good manners while at the table during meals. He is usually the one to lead the boys' devotionals every morning.  Right now they are talking about the Psalms.  He is a big brother to all of these little ones. Elvis is starting at the university in August. He doesn't know what he wants to do with his life, but joked that maybe he will become a pastor! We could all see this become a reality. He is very engaging, and has a huge heart for God.