DAY TWENTY ONE

Matthew 25:40 "And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

Scattered high in the mountains that surround the city of Medellin are more than 500 government-run daycare and preschool programs¬, “Buen Comienzo” (“Good Start”), filled with children who come from vulnerable situations – homes parented by single moms, teen moms, moms and dads who “work the streets” at night, etc.  The His Hands Extended Foundation, through children’s programs featuring Valiosito (Values Bear, a large, friendly bear who teaches values to children), has been given an open door to minister in more than 60 of these “Buen Comienzo” schools.

One such school, with approximately 300 children, is situated directly in between the territories of two gangs, always fighting for control of the area.  But the gangs don’t bother the children or the preschool facilities because, as the director told us, they know that the children are the future of this country.  Between these two fighting gangs sits a safe haven for these 300 children, in addition to an elementary and secondary school.

The His Hands Extended Foundation recently spent three days at this particular preschool, with an AIM youth evangelism team visiting from the United States preparing gardens for the children to plant seeds and grow vegetables for their families, and also planting seeds in the hearts of the children, teachers, and administrators, sharing God’s love and values through games, music, dance, and drama.

After one of the programs, a grandfather approached us, thanking us for bringing the message of hope to the children, and encouraging us to not stop!  We continue to look for creative ways to help reach THE OTHER FIVE with the loving gospel of Jesus Christ!

Kevin & Cindy Elder - Colombia

Prayer: Jesus, we ask You today to make us more aware of "the least of these," the children who are found everywhere in LAC, and who are some of the most needy and most vulnerable among us.  Send us to them, that they may be rescued and redeemed by Your love and mercy.  Amen.