As we did our home visits in one favela (slum) this week, we came across some horrible situations. This is not pretty, and I will try and use innocent enough language, but I do not suggest that any children read this. The truth needs to be known, and specific prayers are needed to come against the darkness that we encountered today.
Some of the teens that had been coming to the past few events were the subjects of a police manhunt one afternoon this week. They allegedly stole a motorcycle last week, and most likely at gunpoint. They were not found as they hid until dark inside the favela. It is much too dangerous for the police to enter a favela after nightfall. While this breaks our heart, we are preparing to receive them in grace and yet somehow express our disappointment with their actions. Only a few weeks ago, we saw a whole group of them raise their hands for prayer at the end of the message. Please pray for wisdom for us in this situation, we dont know who exactly is responsible and what exactly happened, and we really dont want to assume. But we dont want to be blind and naive from the truth either. The most important thing is that we continue to show Christ's love for them as people and come alongside of them on a road of transformation in Christ.
This week I met a family of seven kids. Five are living happy childhoods it seems, but one is still crawling, not talking, and wearing diapers at 5 years old. Her 12-year old brother will be celebrating his 13th tomorrow strung out on drugs. He told me with glazed over eyes and a smug smile that he's been using since he was 11. I got to pray for this young guy, but I can only hope that the Lord translated for his heart to hear, and that the Lord will continue to give me a chance to minister to this young guy.
The ugliest thing we encountered was the information that one house is basically acting as a brothel for 4, 5 and 6 year old girl and boys. Adults are just being entertained as they lure the kids in to do the unthinkable. I'm sorry that is so horrible to hear and to read, but it is the truth. Please pray that Lord will break the hearts of these people and they will repent. Please pray that the Lord will restore these poor children, who know not what they do.
The Lord has always been in the business of making things new. Restoring, Redeeming, and Renewing is a constant theme in the Word. Please pray that this community will experience a radical renewal as they see the glory of God, and no longer can deny their maker's love. Pray that we can be the beacons of light into this dark place, and demonstrate God's love, God's peace, and God's grace for these people. Pray that we will not see these people for what they do, but for who they are, creations of our Lord, We have HOPE that Christ will one day reign in this favela.
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