Proverbs 31: 8-9 “ Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute, Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
What seems like should be a man aged and weathered by life’s almost paralyzing pursuit, is actually a nine-year-old boy named John. Our first impression of John consisted of our hearts stretched by the obvious malnutrition that has taken over himself and his three younger siblings. His behaviors outstretched as both father and mother, a boy timid from the proximity of wazungus, “white man” spoke out of a grave protection over the little ones he tended after. If you remember our blog, “Tension of a Grasping Hand”, we witnessed the breaking of bread between two very small children and the visible ability of God’s sustaining hand upon them. Since that day, God has drawn us closer into relationship with John and his siblings: Francis (5), Joyce (3), and Bryan (1). About two weeks ago, we were sitting in church when we glanced back to find the family of four standing between the doorframe searching for a place to get settled. When they saw us they came and nestled their way in between us. About 10 minutes later, we were both fighting back tears as we noticed Joyce’s white dress tainted from its lack of care and her constant itching from a rash that found its way all over her body –Francis appeared as if he had been thrown in every mud hole around- Bryan’s eyes spoke of his malnourished body- and John was dressed in his best pair of shorts with coat jacket. His tender care upon them speaks measures of this little boy who is raising his family. God has placed this family right in the deepest parts of our hearts that we feel will be ever present with us. On that particular day, John approached us pleading to come and live with us. If you can imagine our great difficulty in trying to explain to a nine-year-old why this would not be possible—lets just say that it continues to be a propeller for our spontaneous tears every time we see him. God has taught us measures on His ability to sustain, on his abounding love for the poor and the needy, and on His promises to lift their burdens as they seek after Him. It was a special moment for us that day to walk hand in hand with these little ones to the local corner store and fill every hand with maize, fruits, rice as we witnessed their quick swallowing of both bananas and oranges. This vastly demonstrated the lack of food that they had endured over the past weeks. Shortly after, we were walking them to their home when Joyce stumbled upon her little white dress and hit the floor sliding. With tears welling up John immediately ran to her cry. Brett picked her up as she squeezed as tightly as possible to find the safety of his arms holding her. This spoke of the survival that God brings to these kids thru the life of John- a nine year old that without us there would have had Joyce in one arm, Bryan on his shoulders, and Francis holding his other hand. “Rich and poor have this in common; the Lord is the Maker of them all.” Proverbs 22:2
Today we found ourselves in another heart stretching embrace with our little friends. Joyce and Bryan stayed back home with their Mom as we welcomed John and Francis to take their spots nestled between us. Either El Nino or random rains have covered over the land here and all its people for the past few days. Francis was very much attacked by El Nino’s hand as he came stumbling in with shorts, a drenched hoody, and shaking from the coldness he had probably felt for days. We have grown to treasure and to savor these moments that we have with them in church—able to witness John released momentarily from his responsibilities of playing both mother and father, as he eagerly participates in singing worship songs and reading along in Scriptures during the message. After the service, John informed us that his dad has been hoarding money from his job and using it on alcohol. He proceeded to tell us that when his dad comes home drunk that he will beat the kids and then the kids would go stay with neighbors until he sobers up. Again, you can imagine our difficulty in explaining to a nine year old boy why we can’t just rescue them all from the situation. “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” Prov. 15: 3
Pray for the wisdom, the discretion, and the understanding that we need to be a mouthpiece for this family, especially as we seek out the validity and the magnitude of this situation.
Proverbs 2: 6
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
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