Fighting Violence in Faith

This church I helped out at for a few days truly had a wonderful ministry going.  The after school program was successful with good attendance. Not just with my eyes, but inquiring about the regular attendance. These kids were different than my other projects because they had a hard exterior. You could tell in their presentation, behavior, comments, and reaction. 
 
Of course, we were discussing the topics of violence in their neighborhood. These kids have seen so much just within their own neighborhood and community. It’s one big four by four square of gangs and violence-they just sit right in the middle of it.  It feels like there is no way out.  When you make one good decision to quit a gang that can lead to a lot of hurt or potential danger. It’s a violent cycle for someone who is 14 to 17 who just wants to experience the normal teenage years.


There was a 14 year old who watched his 20 year old brother be shot by a gang member. He told me about some positive memories, but he said his neighborhood reminds him of negative. He has to protect his Mom, but he just wants to escape, but he can’t.  This is a common story for the gang violence. It’s completely heart breaking because solutions are slim when these people can’t afford to leave, they are threatened, they have a large family, and in bad scenarios-it’s just too late. 

While I’m usually curious to explore the neighborhood (East LA, Bronx, South side Chicago), this was not a place I wanted to explore. I actually felt scared with the razor sharp tension in the air. These environments can be dangerous to the soul. They can make someone who is a believer an evil being. The stories that sound hopeless are the ones that need a reminder on what faith and prayer can do. They need realistic steps, but they also need God. It was amazing to see how many were involved with the church and they were active members serving. With the sadness came the silver lining.

It was just a short time with these kids, but it only takes a few days to inspire, encourage, give praise verbally and through high fives, bringing some snacks, and be a listener through his spirit.  His spirit can bring such laughter and joy. His spirit can create hope in total sadness.
 

When things appear hopeless, you are not alone. Look above you and smile-keep your faith no matter what happens to you…..no matter what happens.... PRIS

Jesus Driven Day

The Don Bosco church had such a full service and a glorious one. There I stood in this beautiful church for the first time. It was Our birthday and I was so proud of all we accomplished. Having such powerful spiritual moments I weeped tears of joy and thankfulness. No one had been there for me more and loved me more-how could I not give my life and serve him?

The pastor spoke in a clear Spanish I could understand as if he was speaking that way just for me. The church was overcrowded with people standing in the back near the door and on the sides. It was clear that other people were touched by this church and it's meaning. People were friendly with "La paz contigo" and sincere looks(Believers more friendly and kind in Panama).


At the end of service, I like to be around and meet people of the church. I enjoy talking and learning about their community and the problems they face and the strengths they hold.

There was a man who worked for the church standing in front handing out flyer's. We got to talking and it turns out he had been helping out with the church. He informed me that the neighborhood behind the church was one of the worst in Panama City. This refers to that previous post where I discussed how those who are suffering, lost, poor, angry, confused-they are place nearby the church. God keeps them safe. This is how he wants it. 

He wanted to introduce me to the pastor who was in the back and he showed me around a bit. The church held an after school program three days per week and I met a few of the kids (age 12-17).

This was not just distribution of food rather I felt the community that was present. They had a futbol field, basketball court, different rooms for activities including an art room with bean bags.  

I was impressed with this and I wanted to participate with the short time I had, which was only a few days with this tight schedule. I was suppose to have more time here, but each country was an extra couple days and that created less time in Panama.   

It turns out the Pastor had to leave-it was pouring I should mention and he had to go across town. It would have been nice to meet him, but I was speaking with someone who had the most hands on work.


Sharing our ideas and sadness among those who die so you, it was refreshing to hear a common voice. The gangs were some of the worst and trying to address this problem is always challenging. In Belize, in East LA, in Chicago-this problem exists larger than ever. For me, the solution is group therapy, building community supports, afterschool activities, increased amounts of community programs, and serious education on gang violence. It’s not a simple problem to fix, but education and community action can save lives. 

The pouring rain was coming down hard and people were starting to leave. I looked at the time and it was almost 3pm. I said my goodbyes and ran out the door. My South American friends were leaving at 3pm and I would feel incomplete without a proper hug and final goodbye.

When I ran back out of breath and soaked, I was asking Popola, “Where is Carlito and Mary?”

“Girl, you went through some serious rain. They are still here.”

Phewww, we said our sad goodbyes and then it was time for me to leave.

I am putting my things together and Popoyla says, “Join me for lunch.”

I look at my watch and he tells me that we can take the bus together. He makes an awesome vegetarian lunch (he’s vegetarian) and very picky with his food- like me. He made a Carrot, tofu, and curry dish with rice. He kept apologizing and I was eating every bite up.  We were discussing the whole hostel situation and how it’s not really for us, but sometimes it just makes sense. If I didn’t go there, I wouldn’t have met him and then what? There is reason not just coincidence.

Off I went and I decided to just take a taxi and he took the bus. It was my arrival at one of my favorite hotels The Hard Rock Hotel. 

The Birthday Direction 1

While I planned to be waking up in the Hard Rock hotel with a Sunday breakfast buffet, things did not work out that way.  There is that expression

 “Life is what happens while you are making plans.”-Unknown-

It’s just exactly how life works because you aren’t always going in that same direction. A person, place or thing changes your direction for the better or for the worse.

In this case, it was definitely for the better.

 It wasn’t just my South American friends, but it was the staff, my dear Popoyla, and the church.  It was such kindness, sincerity, and acknowledgment of my birthday from new friends. 

The plan was to possibly go to Blarney Islands, but the boat was full. He said if someone canceled he would wake me up.  It ended up that Oscar and I were up talking and making arepas in the kitchen. He said that he wanted to go to the islands, but with the group.  This was an expensive trip, but I agreed. The other trip was not confirmed.  We decided to stay up and wait for the 5am departure. At about 3:30, we just couldn’t wait anymore and he stayed at the desk partially working and I went to sleep.

Jesse came by my room at 4:30 to wake me because they had an extra spot.  He said I was sound asleep and he didn’t want to wake me.  He was super sweet, just a nice stand up guy.

 

When I woke up at 930-clearly not going to the Blarney Islands. Everything went it's own God given direction and that meant being present at service. I wanted my birthday to be a Jesus driven birthday and service is the best start. Not going to service when my birthday falls on a Sunday is wrong beyond my belief. Missing the boat and falling into God's arms was just what it was suppose to be. 

 

Before church, I was hungry and wanted some of Carlito’s pancakes. I didn’t have to ask because he had them ready for me with a smiley face made of chocolate sauce. It was quite adorable. They were leaving at 3pm to head to Colombia and then Brazil. Carlito was on that 2 year travel journey just exploring all over including the states and the rest of South America. He mentioned selling his house in Argentina to someone new. I told him, “You have an owner right here.” The tenants are still in there so he would have to let me know. When he described the garden, the Jacuzzi, the four large bedrooms, the rooftop terrace-he sold it well.  

He informed me that they were leaving at 3pm, which gave me time to go to service, talk to some people at the church, and come back for official goodbyes.

Church Stops

When it comes to rushing around a city trying to see everything, my awareness has increased into this kind of behavior.  It's not possible to see everything, but you can see most things if you have the time.

Although, when it comes to churches they are something I do try and see. It's important for me to see most or all of the churches because it's meaningful and important to me.  Walking inside the church is a feeling a home, of peace, security, and love. I guess I could describe it as walking inside your big, loving family's home and receiving those big smiles and hugs. It's just wonderful to go inside the church and have that peace to myself without the outside world. It's a time to pray, especially for the locals that I am meeting.  They need someone to care for them and pray for them because they are people too. Of course, one can pray outside of church, but I'm one of the people who truly connects to the church.  I rely on it for spiritual support and growth.
 
This spiritual exploration applies in the US and it definitely applies when abroad. For me, it's fascinating to see churches outside my element. Those of Spanish culture are particularly beautiful with interesting historical backgrounds and left in different states.  Granada is one of the oldest mainland settlements in America(USA today).
Therefore, I may be guilty of rushing to see churches because of how high their value and meaning is in my life. They are just a home to me and to everyone else who truly believes. 

Here are a few church descriptions from USA today:

Cathedral of Granada

Located right on the central plaza, the Cathedral of Granada is a bright yellow neoclassical church originally built in 1583, and destroyed in the 19th century, only to be rebuilt again in the early 20th century. The interior of the church features three naves and four chapels and extensive stained glass windows. The central Plaza is always alive with activity, from live music to outdoor festivals, and the Cathedral of Granada provides a iconic backdrop to the city's cultural life.
 

La Merced

Built in 1534, La Merced is one of the oldest cathedrals in Central America and was one of the most important churches in Granada until its main tower was destroyed in 1854. The rest of the old church remains however, with several additions, including the rebuilding of the tower in 1862. La Merced has a baroque facade and three interior naves and is located two blocks west of the central plaza, where it sits on its own small corner plaza surrounded by other spectacular colonial buildings.

Iglesia de Guadalupe

The faded and crumbling exterior of this impressive 17th century cathedral only add to its charm as it towers over the surrounding historic residential neighborhood in eastern Granada. The Iglesia of Guadalupe was used as a fortress by William Walker in 1856, when the American filibuster was being driven out of the country after invading and placing himself as president a year earlier. The interior of the church features a stained glass dedication to the Virgin of Guadalupe and rows of Corinthian columns.


Source: USA TODAY

Nicaraguan Basketball

On a Friday night near the church, I saw heard some shouting and saw a crowd of people. I assumed it was a church gathering or maybe a festival.  I looked down to see a basketball court with people sitting on each side cheering away. The players were dressed in official uniforms with one team red and the other blue. It was cute that they had official uniforms with their names on the back. Also, they were an older team in their 30s and 40s all male. They were all playing in a league through the church, which I thought was nice.

My interest in the game was questionable, but when I started watching I realized they were really good! The red team was in the lead as they had a couple excellent players and some cool fake out tactics. The blue team was only a few points behind and they were trying so hard. A few kids and I were cheering on the blue team together with our oohs and aaahs.  They ended up losing, but it was such a great game. I wanted them to play again:) 

                         

Masaya

Everyone one I encountered, tourist or local, told me that I could not miss out on the Masaya volcano and the old/new markets. It was something that just could not be missed. This was on my plan to stop in Masaya for one day, but of course one day turned into three because this city is overflowing with culture.  If I could make a comparison, it would be like a Chefchaouen of Morocco. People are clearly proud of their place, their culture, their creativity, their churches, their markets, their hospitality, and their neighborhoods.



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When you walk pass the houses, they always have the door opened so you can see how they are living. It usually appears modestly with a table and chairs, a row of rocking chairs, and a TV. Sometimes the beds are not seperated from the room and are sitting in the living room. The outside of the homes have different colors, green, pink, yellow, blue, and they have small decorated gates. Big gardens depending on the house. Many homes are turned into bodegas selling drinks, snacks, eggs, bread, and some fruits and vegetables.

                It's impossible Jesus does not Exist..... 

 

People ride the bikes with someone sitting on the handlebars, it's not a couple people rather it's completely the norm. Men are cleaning shoes in the park and for lunch locals eat a beef stew with potatoes. There is amazing $1 dollar pizza in the town square where you sit near the fountain and watch the birds. It's it's own little Central park, but much more authentic.  

Something about it just takes me back in time like I am sitting in a totally different era. The people have such pure hearts and are kind towards you. Of course, every city has it's bad apples and theft is a problem in the area.  But when I walk down these streets, I stop into these bodegas and I see human people trying to make a living. They just love the rocking chair, especially the older men. The kids are always finding a way to entertain themselves and they try to put three on a bike.
It's just a representation of real community and how people should treat one another. We just don't see this very often and people may just label this as a dangerous city.  

City and Church Photos

Friday night church concert 

Magnificent Masaya

Masaya is one of the smallest, yet most populated departments in the country. The picturesque, small cities of its territory feature several attractions such as cultural manifestations, a strong indigenous heritage and many natural destinations. 

Due to its folkloric expressions, the capital city is an important cultural destination. Dance, music, street theater and colorful processions are some of its attractions. Also, Masaya has a nice urban center with interesting sites and diverse lodging facilities. A fortress, a pier, several restaurants, hotels, bars and craft shops are part of the offer. 
 
The Mayasa Volcano National Park and the Masaya Lagoon are two major natural attractions. The volcano is formed by three craters, two of them are extinct and the other one remains active, constantly spewing smoke. A vast territory, which still preserves its flora and fauna, surrounds this volcano. Unfortunately, the neighboring lagoon is currently polluted, but people can visit and find petroglyphs on its shores. Some are even brave enough to take a swim. 
 
In the Southwestern side of the department lies the largest volcanic lagoon in the country: Apoyo. The lagoon still preserves some forest on its slopes and features several summer and rural houses, as well as restaurants and hotels offering fun activities like diving, swimming and kayaking. Apoyo is also a natural reserve shared by the municipalities of Masaya and Granada, both of them with several viewpoints.
  
On the other hand, the charming cities of Catarina and San Juan de Oriente are frequently known as the "Bewitched Villages". The first one is famous for its many nurseries located within its urban center. There are two viewpoints in this area. One of them is in the city and includes craft shops and restaurants. The other one is situated in Diriomito and has some eateries and a paragliding ramp. San Juan de Oriente, the other bewitched village, is a land of artisans. Multiple studios and craft shops, filled with many, many colors and shapes can be found in this area. 
 
Catarina and San Juan de Oriente are also part of the 'Meseta de los Pueblos', along with three other municipalities: Niquinohomo, Nandasmo and Masatepe. Niquinohomo is known for its traditional dances and Nandasmo for its furniture factories. Masatepe has a renowned traditional dish called 'Sopa de Mondongo', and a coastline on the Masaya Lagoon with natural areas suitable for a good hike. 
 
Masaya has one last municipality: Nindirí. This territory has an interesting museum, a rural area called 'La Concha' and the remote lagoon of Charco de Tisma, which preserves many wetlands and is home to seabirds.

                                    www.viaNica.com

Income to Prove

Unfortunately, God does not make the world with the intention of making money and materialism the core component to success.  Love, health, purpose, spirituality/religion, family, and personal success are incredibly more important.  This world focuses on income and money more than the actual work that is done.

You could be saving the world from world hunger with a new theory and proposal that took you ten years to create or invent.  A person would say, "Were you working when you did that?"
"How did you pay your bills?"

If that person still looks healthy and well put together, you can assume that they met their basic needs just fine without your unnecessary question. 

It's so sad that people find such need to question income.  It shows how superficial our world truly is and your world may include your own friends and family who judge you.  They don't see you functioning like them on a 9-5 basis, therefore, you are not succeeding. 

Again, you could have amazing theories and be planning positive, effective, impactful plans to help people.  All you get is, "How do you pay for vacations?" "Who pays this?" One must be doing something to get money. Those who have heart and work with passion are broke in financial value. They may stay that way or they may wind up like Deepak Chopra, Joel Osteen, Bill Hybels, Oprah Winfrey.  People who combined their amazing passion with leadership and money making.  

Of course, most people would not admit that that they don't want both, but they do.  Who doesn't want the publicity and the ability to impact not a thousand people, but millions. The social status to influence people all over the world. People do want that raise of income as long as their passion and character stays the same.   

Those average people working in ministry, non-profit, and ngo's are not making any money.  They do it for the passion and the love of their work not to prove income. This is how they may live  their whole life or they may be promoted, start their own organization, write a book etc. This is how  the passionate survive-they think of another creative idea. They don't just focus on 
"How much money am I making today?" 
"How much is my income going to be this year?" 

It's about being responsible, paying bills, taking care of their family, shelter, transportation, and food. Some days may be tough and you don't know where the next mortgage payment will come from, but that's where God comes in and makes things happen. 

These people who question income may be unclear on the beauty of faith and love for Christ.  When you are committed, God will take care of you. God will open doors and present opportunities. He will have you receive a grant or scholarship.  He will have your car or house sell. He will take care of the electricity bill with a credit.  These things happens when you believe. Those who question income are living in the socially constructed bubble and may be stuck inside that, which is common for Americans. But perhaps they just don't have enough trust or faith in God for what he can do. 

My whole entire life revolves around my faith.  My main support has been my faith.  When I couldn't pay my college tuition, I received a 5,000 check in the mail.  When I didn't know how I was going to eat for the week in New York, I found a $50 bill on the ground. When someone stole my purse, I met an angel who helped me get it back. When I had an unsafe living situation, he found me a place in the Catholic housing.  

When you stop worrying so much about money is when things happen. Perhaps those rigid, structured ones think that sounds stupid and irresponsible.  In my defense, maybe I can say that you just don't have enough faith and need to let go of materialism and focus on feeding your soul. 

Believe in Your Purpose

While my motto, my email, my company name of Morocco- a purpose is never a joke whether it is real. Everyone has one and they might not know where it is or how to obtain it, but it remains inside of them.

Whether its in the states or abroad, I am always challenging others to find something real and inspiring within them. They may have an idea, bring something up in a short conversation, write it down, or simply demonstrate an expression of desire or passion. Immediately, I notice these things and I introduce them to reality. It's possible to not just believe in a purpose, but there is a possibility to live it.

Many people of disadvantaged populations or struggling with life's problems feel their purpose is lost and hopeless. With their internal belief and God by their side anything can be possible as long as realistic goals are in place.

For instance:
At the San Francisco church, this lovely, lovely man had a passion for architecture. A few years ago he designed the ceiling in the back area of the church. 

"Would you like to see my work?"Architect 

"Yes, I would." Pris

We walk over and I recognize the ceiling and I felt very proud that he was the one who did it.

"Do you like it?"Architect 

"Yes, I love it. All the detail is fantastic. Wow it's so great."Pris 

When it comes to the purpose, you can not give enough compliments towards someone's purpose.  You have to keep encouraging them on and on until you see a smile or confirmation that they feel it.  This man was overflowing with happiness already, but when I said this he was so proud and surprised I liked it. 

This man mentioned how difficult is getting a job in Nicaragua. It's not the same as it used to be meaning they don't want that laborious work done because it's too costly. He showed me his sketches with such passion and pride in his work. It did not matter if he did it for money or for free-he dearly loved his work. While he had some  disappointment in his voice, that hope still shined through with his smile and optimism. If I only had this mans optimism, it is just beyond admirable.  It was clear he was driven by purpose. All he needed was the appropriate work to continue to support his mission.  
  
  God bless this man on his architecture purpose. 

                        Believe in Your Purpose 

                     

              

The Last Supper Dos

                      

Overtime, the last day is not necessarily the most difficult.  When you make your presence, time, and commitment crystal clear from the beginning, the final goodbye becomes easier.  It's when you show up, make connections, take some photos and leave. This is problematic and just completely wrong to do.  With people being my ultimate love and purpose in life, I have to make a true commitment to not let them down. Of course, I may disappoint or make people feel sad with my departure, but it's never intentional.  I only want the best for them and I try my best to give them my all in the time I have. 

Not to mention, these people were special. There were connections made in short time, stories exchanged, motivational talks, spiritual guidance, and independence grown. I am truly not the one doing the teaching rather they are teaching me about their life, their choices, their experiences and I am always learning from them.

We are a co-created team of voices that learn from each other. They need the belief in their potential and being to rise to the occasion.  These people didn't feel supported in this church and it was up to them to build their support from the inside.  Just like my church Willow Creek, they have to build their own sections and supporters. It doesn't just come from a sermon or getting meals each week.  In this case here, it was just about the meals each week-a typical occurrence for many churches I have seen in Central America.

At this last meal with my new friends, I arrived ten minutes late, which is not great because they have a tendency to eat and leave. It's always hectic the last day because I am trying to say goodbye to everyone in town-difficult mission.

It was a grand entrance with the royal red carpet in front of the church- no way.   There was the same group sitting in the corner under the tree and a few sitting in the shade eating their food. A few of them waived and I walked in where I was immediately greeted by Rosa. Whenever she saw me, she greeted me for one second and then asked a million questions. There was Jorge sitting at the table with his cowboy hat smiling big and he said he would come to Chicago one day to see me-cute.

My special needs girl was there sitting at the end of the table.  There I sat with all the questions and goodbyes and Dios contigo(may god be with you).  They were interested in knowing where I was going next and why I couldn't stay with them. This splits my heart in half, but there's always going to be people to serve and I can't stay with all of them forever. When you are pretty much the only one acknowledging this population and you leave, it's difficult. We were all smiling and laughing and I walked around giving some motivational speeches, "Keep believing, Keep the faith, Count on each other, talk and support each other, keep singing, utilize your friends as support."  I encouraged them to meet after the meal time in a small group to discuss their week and goals. This worked for the older men and some women joined together, but many just dispersed after they finished eating. 

Someone had the quote if you can positively impact one person or cause them to think different then your job is done for the day.  Of course, I want to help everyone and be superwoman, but that's just not realistic with this population.  The acknowledgement and motivation makes an impact on the being. 

After their meal, I sat outside with people having the inspirational talks, the hugs, the pats on the back, the smiles, and the handshakes. The one husband who had to ride 30 miles to work by bike in the sweltering heat, to make sure his kids were fed each day, said

 "I know Jesus will guide me to a better job, but we just don't know when."

It's priceless to see what faith these people have and some would say that faith is all they need, but I disagree.  These people deserve more human attention and more real caring and support. Al, 

 who sings and plays guitar in restaurants knows his purpose, but it doesn't pay the bills.  He doesn't have a place to live, but he has purpose.  

Does purpose trump "Maslow's Hierarchy of needs?"

Or does he need to keep working, believing, and praying for his growth of his purpose? Eventually, his purpose should align with his needs, but right now he may need to focus on another job to help him.  The problem that everyone has is that the jobs are "not available," which is partially true.

There are so many different environmental factors that go in their current situation, but I hope I shed some light on how important it is to believe in people.  To just let them talk to you, share some things about yourself and show you're human.         That's all I can ask.... That's all I can ask. 

When I leave I just have to pray for God to take care of these people. It's up to him to keep up his love, support, and miracles.

Out of respect their is limited photos with this population.  It's not respectful to take photos inside the church. 

Sometimes it's best to put the camera to the side.

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

Locked out of Heaven

Waiting outside in the 100 degree heat greeting everyone shaking their hand and talking with them about their day. This was the last day and I was so happy to inform everyone that we would be sitting inside and get a table today to say our "Good byes." I'm trying to hold it together, but the
ants crawling on the ground are in my shoe and sweat is coming down my cheek.  It's a moment of clarity where you empathize with what a person has to do to get a meal. It's so hot you could fry an egg on the pavement and people are not allowed to wait inside the church.

As the person who needs to be inside the church before they show up, I don't quite understand why I am locked out of the church. The table set up was a huge headache because people are set in their ways and did not want to change things. With it being the last day, I needed the table set up. 

When they finally opened the doors, people were trampling inside to get food and I saw there was no table. I went looking for Jose and he has already left-go figure. When I went near the food line, there was an unfamiliar older gentlemen standing there with his arms crossed. 

I asked him about the tables and he said, 
"We don't do that here young lady."Man 

"Well Juan is the Director and he told me it was okay. I don't need assistance I can set them up myself." Pris 

"Juan is no one in this church and he does not control the set up." Man 

Clearly, he was an old, grumpy man exercising his authority and I was not going to take it any further.

"That's fine. We will just sit outside...in the heat." Pris 

There I went down the line telling everyone we will be eating outside today after I told them we could eat inside(great). The church won't say it, but they really don't care about this population of people and they just feed them and that's it, but I tried to give them awareness that more is possible. It just requires effort. It requires a familiar face to be there and consistently work with this population each and everyday. 

It just seems like the demand is too high in Leon as there is such a high population of people suffering.  The church does what they can serving food, but what about the soul of these people?
Who is feeding their soul? The Lord can't do everything alone.   

"Systems mess up your plans, make you inconsistent with people, but systems will never destroy the intention of the heart."

PRIS