Power, Human Life and Church

When I sit in this church, I must wonder how much impact does the actual church have on these people? The church is a strong, powerful entity, which represents our faith in Jesus and his father. There are feelings of belonging associated with the church and it's community. A well-liked pastor can move mountains for people, inspire them, and make them believe in a better tomorrow. 

Is that enough participation for those underprivileged who need so much more?

There is that individual relationship with the pastor, but what about the support from others.  Some churches have this down perfectly where they are connecting people together.  This church in Leon, Nicaragua is completely missing that supportive community that these people need. The sad part is that many churches are not focusing on connecting and supporting this population. It's the reality of their ever existing lives.  They are fed a few times a week, but what about their other needs for support and belonging. These people just need someone to get them organized in a group each week, a person to smile and encourage them, and someone to teach independent living skills. Even in the US, churches usually address the need for food, but skip out on the need for belonging. 

Abroad, food is presented as the main thing to give, but what about time? 

What about a conversation with these people about their day, their interests, and how they are impacted my God?

The underprivileged population of Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala- they are hungry for the attention rather than just the food that is given. Their eyes light up from this human attention, which all human beings crave.  They have a tendency to crave it more because their low support systems. Those coming into the church with a full family, a regular schedule, a secure place to live, and the ability to feed and cloth themselves-they may just connect with the Pastor's message, go discuss it with family, and go on their way. This is not the case for those suffering from poverty, addiction, abuse, no job, and lost purpose. These people need the church to give them a little bit something more.  Something to make them grow and thrive in their community. Someone to share their opinions, to connect with the message presented in church, to treat them to a coffee, and just.....

Someone to acknowledge them.  Please open up your eyes and give this population more that food. Give them something refreshing, an interesting story, a funny joke, a new job idea, a new friend...

Stimulate their brains and empower them to believe that they can achieve. God has been on their side, but they always need a new supporter on their side.  Add them to your team.  PRIS

Hold My Hand

The hand is such a powerful tool when it comes to connecting spirits. The hand can be such a beautiful sign of respect, a thank you, a sign of appreciation, wishing another well, and the spirit crossing paths. 

Within the Francisco Church, I found myself constantly connecting by the hand. While they were waiting in line to get in the church, I would smile and extend my hand out.  There are some who are shy and reserved-these people are given more space.  It was a shake with a hand placed over our hands. I let them know I care with that human touch they crave.  

When they hold my hand, some don't want to let go. They look into my eyes expecting something more- looking at something beyond just me. There eyes are full of pure longing and desire. This was something new for me as I enjoy the high fives, the hugs, the pats on the back, but the shaking of the hand came alive in Nicaragua. It was happening in Guatemala, but a highly increased amount in Leon.   

As one human being, I can only do so much
 but I am one person who extended their hand. One person to acknowledge the being. To have that smile and handshake or hug three times a week-this can make someone feel some hope and inspiration to become better. 

It seems like just a moment, but these moments are what can move mountains. 

People need non-verbal words of encouragement and reassurance. When we have faith and believe in people, they will rise to the occasion and thrive. We have to give them that human contact they deserve in order for them to get better. We can't just feed them and not give them any of God's direct attention. 

        They need it, they want it, they love it.

Take my hand and I will smile towards you and extend God's grace your way....PRIS