“If we would really raise and improve the moral condition of the poor, nay, even the apparently depraved, those in the classes above them, those better instructed than they, must treat them as brethren and sisters. Only let the poor feel we consider them as children of the same great Father in Heaven, not in word, but in deed, and we shall gain undoubted influence over them.”
Mary Howitt (1799-1888) English writer in Day’s Collacon compiled and arranged by Edward Parsons Day (New York: IPPO, 1884) 700.
As many of you know, our family finds great joy in doing service projects and sponsoring children from among the destitute poor, the Treasures, in the garbage dump in Guatemala City with Potter’s House. In 2012, Jenni also helped establish VBS programs there and over 200 of 1,000 children came to faith and got plugged into discipleship programs.
Last year in 2013, she helped write the curriculum and train volunteers and more than 600 began to follow Jesus of the 2,000 that attended VBS. This year, thanks to the hand of God at work down there, we just received word that 2,129 attended 40 different VBS in 20 areas around the dump. Listen to report of what happened.
We have learned that 548 decided to start a personal relationship with Jesus, another 25 are restored in their relationship with God and 180 teenagers from the community volunteered to serve the younger Treasures during VBS. Please take six minutes to watch this VBS 2014 video to see how generous love is transforming the Treasures in the garbage dump.
Howitt is spot on! When we see the poor as brothers and sisters, and treat them with the generous love we have received from God–the love we celebrate at Christmas–we have great influence in their lives. They often listen to us because they sense God loving them through us.
Determine to empty yourself to show God’s love to the spiritually and materially poor around you in word and deed and see what God does! Do this right where you live, and let us know if you want to visit Guatemala to serve the Treasures in 2015 with us.