 Greetings from beautiful Morelia Mexico! It's a cool but sunny morning. We have been busy with small groups of classes, staff Bible study and outreach to our community. We continue to give away food bags every month in different areas in and around Morelia. And we continue to have our "Heart to Heart support a child program. We are also starting up a new ministry to give school scholarships to young people who have faithfully participated at the Victory Center. These young people would not be able to continue studying without some financial help. And we are opening up a short term loan ministry to families who have had to close or reduce their family business as a result of the pandemic.  This is Liz. She's been a participant of the Victory Center ministry since she was just a little girl. She's now going into 9th grade. She is compassionate, joyous and a gifted leader.
Yesterday as I drove her and another youth up to our leadership camp Liz shared some of her heart with me. She said, "Susan, can I tell you something? I'm scared that I don't know how to socialize anymore. I don't know what to say to people. I used to be outgoing but now I feel very stressed when I'm around people. I've been closed up in my house for so long." So many young people are overwhelmed with interacting with others after not having much contact with people during the pandemic. I thanked her and encouraged her for taking this step to be interactive even when it stresses her a bit. A little while later Liz said, "Susan, can I ask you something? Why am I here and not some of the more "popular" girls. I expected to see so and so here or this other girl but they're not here and I am. Why is that?" I was surprised to hear the insecurity in her voice and to realize that she was struggling to see her own potential. I shared with her that we had made a list of the people we thought might be invited to this training and then we began to pray and ask God who He would have come. I told her that she was chosen to come because of her loving heart and openness to God. And I told her that God knew what she needed, when she needed it. She was surprised that God would choose her. Our leadership camp theme is: Who is God and who am I? Liz is one of six young people at camp this week learning just who God is as their creator, father, friend and savior. And learning who they are in Jesus. What a perfect topic for young people who are struggling with their Identity after being isolated for so many months. God knows what we need, He knows when we need it. |
RSS Feed