Wow!

Day 3  began with all us ‘gringos’ accepting an invitation from Shorty and Tita to join the ‘muchachos’ in their morning devotional. The muchachos are current and ex-gang members who are now learning carpentry skills at the Mandarina school. The thinking behind the carpentry shop is to give the muchachos hope by providing an alternative to the never ending cycle of gang violence and hopelessness existing in the sorrounding community. Not only do they receive training for a new trade, these young men receive spiritual teaching in an atmosphere of unconditional love and acceptance.

Little did our team expect the Spirit to move so powerfully. Tears and laughter flowed, spirits soared and the Lord was worshipped by both gringos and muchachos. Even though most of the muchachos spoke little or no english and most of the team spoke little or no spanish, the message was universally understood. We preached, sang and prayed in both english and spanish and the Holy Spirit did the rest. Wish everyone could’ve been there just to see how God’s language is universal and sometimes the best communication is accomplished without words.

Grace and peace,

Casto

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