What a great team we have here. No only our team, but the team that lives here. We are getting aquinted with kids that are having major life changes.
The mountains are hard to climb but the effort is worth it. We see where and how each of these kids live and have a chance to pray with their families. They live in despair but have hope. Looking into the future we can see that hope. We will pray for them daily.
– Mickey Boutwell
Today, we worked with the Rinas. They’re a team of girls from the village of Buena Vista who are starting a similar soccer program. The amazing thing about this team is that the program to reach out to the girls of the village is being run by one of the Rinos, Allen. Amazingly, and something only God can do, Allen came up with the idea on his own. This is the change in the young men that we all pray for and it is such a blessing to see it. Allen shared some of his story with us this morning, and the change in this young man that has happened is, again, something that can only happen with God.
The girls were so much fun to get to know and spend time with. We played games, made bracelets, and ate lunch with them. Also, one of our team members teaches self defense, and he brought his gear and had a great session with the older girls. There is so much abuse and violence here and the chance for them to learn that they don’t have to think like a victim is outstanding.
It’s currently raining, so after 4 visits, I’m finally seeing how this village acts during a rainstorm. This is a village of strong people who will do what needs to be done. Many of them know God, but in some, you can see a hopelessness. I have been blessed with the chance to visit with families and see the hope that comes with Christ and how God has used the Johnsons and the Leivas to spread His love in this village.
One great thing I saw yesterday seems so small, but is so huge. One of the BVSA Graduates, Wilmer, now works here at the academy. He is currently having Bible studies with Cesar and he has a love for God’s word. This trip, we brought with us a, illustrated ‘Action Bible’ for each boy. This is basically the stories of the Bible in comic book form. Anyway, at one point, as I was walking down the hall, I saw Wilmer at the washing machine. He was doing some of the laundry and while waiting for it, he was reading his new action Bible. I just love seeing the love of God’s word showing in Wilmer as he takes any chance he can to read it. Truly uplifting!
– Eric Horn
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