Wednesday June 16th

Day Three

WHAT A DAY!!! I knew from my past trips here that today had the potential to be the most impactful so far. It did not disappoint. There are so many things that I could say but there is not enough time or room. We began our day with our quiet time and devotion focused on the word “devotion.” Our reading was from Acts 2:42-47. Each of us were to look at this day and strive to be devoted to making sure one thing happened in someone’s life.

We left for the boys home this morning. Our plan was to hang out with the boys and than participate in their church service in the evening. We played soccer (Hayden Bates scored 3 goals), basketball (David Benitez and Jimmy Bennett dominated) and played music with the boys. For me personally it was a very emotional day. I was able to see many of the boys I have built relationships with over my past trips here and I was able to hear about the great things God is doing in their lives. As well as meeting one new boy who remembered me from 3 years ago when I met him while he was still on the streets. I also was able to observe the most giving, loving, caring and fearless bunch of high school kids I have ever been around. If you parents would let me I would adopt every one of these kids. It was a long day but so fruitful.

During the service our youth choir preformed one of their songs and did a drama. Karaline and Jenny both shared their stories about how God was at the center of the healing process they are both going through, there was not a dry eye in the place. The Bolivian boys worship band led worship for the first time in the history of the home tonight and the Spirit of God was so present. There was a lot of dancing, singing, hugging and crying, a truly awesome experience.

Finally our star of the day was David Benitez. David shared his story with some of the boys today. He was brave, open and authentic. The boys were glued to him. In fact the boys wanted him to sleep there tonight so they cold spend more time with him. The truly amazing thing that happened is one of the boys, who was always too ashamed to tell his story publically, turns 18 tomorrow and he wants to tell everyone his story in hopes that he can help people as David did for him. David Benitez was a hero tonight and we are better people for having him here. (The picture above is David with the boys he shared with today). Thank you for your prayer and support. Hard to believe we have only two more days.

Blessings,

Greg