Well contrary to the title of this entry Maria (all names have been changed) isn’t a widow, but her generosity in giving the little she had so freely reminded me of the story in the Bible where the widow gave of all she had (Mark 12:41-43). Maria and her husband Roberto have eight children and live in the park during the day and sleep in their van at night. The children’s names are Jesus, Gracia, Jacob, Ester, Sara, Kenya, Robertito, and the baby, Benjamin.
Kenya, Rebecca, Ester, Gracia, and Robertito after Fabiola came to do the girl’s hair one day a week or so ago. Our house is the brownish one in the background to the left. Roberto, their father, is in the background to the right. Juan is sitting on the bench by the tree.
We went over to the park the other morning to have breakfast with them at the picnic table where they prepare their meals. We brought a pitcher of coffee, cups, napkins and some Mexican sweet bread. We shared what we had with them and the various visitors that came through. We met a man that has also befriended this family who has been homeless for many years as well. His name is John and he has no known family since his parents died when he was fairly young and his brother died soon after that. As the children were all seated munching on their bread, Maria began cooking up breakfast and offered us a generous stack of tortillas, with meat and a hunk of Mexican cheese. We were a bit hesitant and uncomfortable to take so much from somebody that had so little, but she insisted. We’ve learned that it is important to not turn such an offer away for our comfort or convenience (for what would that communicate?), but to allow them the blessing of sharing and giving. We were served first before anyone else in the family or their friend John. Still somewhat embarrassed we began to eat, just then two other Hispanic guys that just happened to be passing through the ‘camp’ asked if the food was ready and if they could eat. Fabiola wanted to defend the little that this family had, especially since we ‘took’ some from them, and tried to shoo them off, but Maria offered them a taco stuffed full of the carne asada. I was surprised and reflected on how much better the portions were here than at the various taco stands we’ve eaten at that give you a kibble of meat and about four crumbs of cheese. Maria leaned over to Fabiola as she continued to heat up more tortillas once the two men had left and said, “If God has enough for one, He has enough for thousands. We aren’t going to deny anyone food, because we know it comes from Him and know He could keep us from eating at any time.” In hearing this I felt a simultaneous conviction in my heart and a ball well up in my throat at the emotion of it all. Soon another friend we’ve made at the park, Juan, came over. He seems to have been depressed lately and hasn’t wanted to talk as much. We keep him in our prayers. He had been one of the biggest advocates for a church in the park and there is definitely a network of relationships between this group, who knows of God, but needs to be taught the Word of God and be restored to a relationship with their Father. Even joggers and others walking their dogs paused to say, “Hi” or “Buenos Dias” to us all as we sat at this bench. Once the kids were done eating, Rebecca and Ester had a great time running around and playing.
Gracia and Rebecca at the park.
Some of the family dynamics came up when Gracia, the 13-year-old came out of the van. Like many teenagers she had slept in while the rest of the family had started their day. None of the children are attending school, at least not very regularly, right now. Maria face visibly changed from one of happiness in serving us all and visiting with company to one of hurt and betrayal. She recounted to us that she and Gracia had argued and some ugly words were passed on to her from her daughter. Living in a park out of a van with a family of 10 requires a bit of organization. The oldest three children do a lot of watching the younger kids and run a lot of errands. In typical teenager form, Gracia complained and whined about having to run to the public restroom to fill up more water again or change another diaper. Her mom responded firmly and Gracia said something she later regretted. It was something along the lines of “if you die I won’t even cry.” Said in anger these strong words penetrated the heart. Fabiola had a chance to minister to both of the ladies and talk it massaging balm on the sore spots. We also found out that Gracia isn’t able to go to school because she doesn’t have the proper uniform or supplies. We made arrangements over the weekend and this afternoon we plan on taking Gracia to the school to see what she needs to do. We are ready to provide the needed school supplies and give her some of the extra white blouses Fabiola has so that she can attend school.
Beyond praying for Maria and her family here are some other ways you can support us and our community in prayer:
- This Thursday we have a strategic meeting for our future church plant. We will be meeting with other Los Angeles churches that have an interest in partnering with us in ministering to the people of South Park. Each person present has a vision to see a new, healthy church planted in this area. Some of those present may be future team members; others may be leaders that have people or resources to offer to the start up process.
- Weekly meetings with Pedro and Valerie (and kids Olga and Alicia) and Consuelo. All of them have mentioned the desire to invite other family members to these Bible study and prayer times. Please pray for us to have a consistent, powerful time of meeting together and that this time would grow in numbers.
- Thank God with us that Zelma, one of the first people we met here, has returned to her husband and we’ve reconnected with her (after losing contact with her). Pray that something would come of this relationship—she has told Fabiola that her husband would like some marriage counseling, which we would love to provide.
Fabiola and Rebecca talking with the Señora Margarita, a potential woman of peace in this community.
- A tentatively scheduled coffee time with Señora Margarita in this coming week.
- Future play dates (for Rebecca) with Jackie and opportunities to share more about God with her mom (Daniella) and grandma (Tania).
- Others we’ve met recently that need to be lifted up: John, Juan, Roberto and family, Efrain, Howard, Dre’, and Romeo.
Thank you for praying with us!
Freely we receive and freely we give.
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