"The Word at Work is a ministry that mobilizes churches and individuals to answer God's call to minister to those in need," writes Rev. Tim Tam, Director of the Amarillo, Texas-based ministry. "Through our relationships, God reveals needs and opportunities for service. As we come along side the poor, new friendships develop and doors for ministry open. As we serve, God provides the resources to supply for the needs he reveals."
WAW Wednesday: "7/24/19: Letter from Mr. Kenny (grab a kleenex)"
From Kenny Logan ...
Back in May I was told there was a lady that was looking for me. She needed help for her son because he was acting out and failing in school and no one seemed to be able to help him. I finally went along with my wife, Claudia, and her brother-in-law to see what could be done. I met Adelaid and her four kids, ranging in age from 10 years to 18 months. The oldest boy was the one having the issues at school.
It turns out that years ago, before any of the children were born, the father had been convicted of a crime but he was absent when the magistrate pronounced the charge. bAs As I understood it, a policeman told him to leave because he did not have any documentation and so he left. A heavy fine was levied against him. Even if he had been aware of the fine it would've been more than he could afford to pay. Seven months ago he was picked up and was sent to prison. That has devastated the oldest and since then he has a hard time coping. Here was a dad getting ready to take his family to church and from out of nowhere came the police and arrested him, leaving all the kids traumatized. With the breadwinner in prison the family is losing ground in their battle to survive. If you notice in the photo below there are dark areas around all the children's eyes, which is an indicator of malnutrition.
The mom cannot always provide. She is still working hard to do all she can but struggles. Many men have offered financial help but they want her body in return so she refuses and the kids go hungry. She chooses to be faithful to her husband and to trust God for taking care of her family. Yesterday after I spoke with the eldest and prayed with the family then I told the mom to get ready……. something will happen. So Claudia, her brother-in-law and I took the family grocery shopping. I wish you could have seen the kids as they roamed the store and a mom who is ever so grateful taking from the shelf with great reserve the items she needs to feed her kids and her self. If you were riding back home with us you would have herd her soft voice singing "Jesus loves the little children" and then other praise songs because her 18 month old who will not have to go hungry because she'll be able to produce milk in her Breast to feed her.
(Tim, See the grocery photo below and tell C. L. thanks for sending us his tithes to meet needs like this.)
Their tiny house has a dirt floor and as you can see, which turns to mud when it rains…..and the list goes on.
Some days this mom gets work in San Ignacio taking care of an elderly person. I am not sure what salary she will make, all I know is it won’t be enough. They have no light and use candle, but today for only $100 she said they will have enough to eat for a month! Again I will say that is not enough.
After we took the family grocery shopping and we returned home I promised the young boy that we will be back.
So, a few days ago I went back with a church team from La Jolla and we started this house, seen in the next picture. As we worked Claudia spoke with the mom who shared that the eldest boy was asked by his teacher to explain how his grades had improved and why his attitude changed. His response was, "there is this man named mr Kenny and he had helped me." So the mom was called in to explain “Mr. Kenny".
I'm not big on picture taking but believe me, there are changes in the faces of these children. They have not just improved in school but also in their smiles and facial features. The mom said the kids pray for Mr. Kenny daily thanking God for bringing him along…. but you see this Mr. kenny don’t exist alone. He has friends like the many of you who support TWAW. Without friends and supporters we cannot do what we do. Your support to The Word At Work does not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated.
These houses cost about $6-7K. The funding for the frame on this house came from the San Jacinto high school team from Amarillo, TX. The labour came from some local neighbors and our team from La Jolla. But, there is much more that is needed! We still need $4,000 to finish this home and move this family in. Also there is need for beds and other household items. I pray that you will join me in this life changing event for this family who very much need your help.
There are many needs of this type in my country and also many who want to take advantage of people in this type of situation…….. evil men who prey on vulnerable women and children. This is exactly why I keep reminding you that poverty is not a sin, but poverty left unaddressed by the church (you and me) creates a breeding ground for evil men to plot and plunder.
What opportunities has God presented to you?
If you're not currently engaged in something, here you go. Join us doing something that will feed your own soul and make a significant impact in the lives of others.
Kenny.
From Tim Tam ...
Heart wrenching needs, a mother prays to God, and you (our supporters) are becoming the answer to her prayers.
First, we are asking for your help to finish this project and help lift this family out of the mud.
Second, realize that we are well situated and capable of doing this again 100 times over.
Join us in Belize, with or without your church.
Plan a vacation with a purpose
Come enjoy Belize - fish and snorkel, visit Mayan ruins, see mountains and islands, go cave tubing, learn about the culture… then
Give back to Belize - contribute some of your time and resources to help those who cannot help themselves.
Talk it over with your friends, families, neighbors.
Belize is one of the worlds top tourist destinations.
And your friend, TWAW, it Is uniquely established throughout the country and able to provide a wide variety of opportunities to serve.
Again, help us finish this project!
Be a part of the next project!
tt
#wearethewordatwork
EDITOR'S NOTE: Speaking from my own first-hand experience - working side-by-side with Tim, Kenny and our brothers and sisters in Belize - won't you give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to supporting the efforts of Tim, the Word At Work staff and their partners? Please please fill out this Commitment Card and return it to their office!
Also, remember that you can follow The Word At Work on their Facebook page!
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