In What Do You Take Delight?
Psalm 133:1 says, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together
in unity!"
In Spanish: “¡Cuán bueno y cuán agradable es que los hermanos convivan en armonía!”
I believe God takes delight when we come together and serve others in His name.
In mid-August, I had the privilege to serve on a Forward Edge International team in a small neighborhood on the outskirts of Oaxaca, Mexico. The 16 members of the team came from three states, eight different churches and ranged in age from 12 to 67 years old. We had met three times via zoom prior to arriving in Oaxaca and had divvied up some responsibilities. What a blessing to see how perfectly God had gifted this group for ministering in harmony to the children, families and staff at Trigo y Miel (Wheat and Honey)! Trigo typically feeds lunch to close to 100 kids six days a week. Last year they started a school, Escuela Siloé, with 28 students. This year they have 49 enrolled.
On our first full day, we participated in their Saturday Bible School and played games with the children after lunch. What a joy to see everyone participating and having fun together even though there was a language barrier for most of us. (Fortunately, we did have a couple of interpreters.) A number of team members sponsor children in the program and were excited to meet their children face to face. I have sponsored Jesús Daniel for five years, but hadn’t seen him since 2018. He’s grown 9 inches in that time and will turn 15 in October!
Ángel Gabriel is the other boy I sponsor, whom many of you have prayed for over the years. He was diagnosed with cancer (ALL), shortly after I started sponsoring him in 2018. After two+ years of chemo, he was in remission, happy, healthy and strong. PTL! *
He was asked to pray before lunch one day and finished his prayer thanking God for bringing the gringos. Made me chuckle! I captured the smile that broke across Victor’s face as I took a photo of Angel praying. Victor and Lety, are the couple who had the vision of working in this community 16 years ago. God has used them in a mighty way to bless and encourage the children and their families. Most kids come and give them a hug before they leave each day. That’s a lot of hugs!
For three days we ran activities for the kids while the moms rotated through three different stations, (fabric craft, wooden picture frame decorating and nail care/foot care/facials). Everyone seemed happily engaged in what they were doing. Even the one team member, who wanted nothing to do with anyone’s feet, worked at the foot care station. How the Lord must have rejoiced in that act of humble submission of her will. We, too, were proud of her and shared that during our evening team debrief.
Other “snapshots” of harmonizing moments were when team members:
in unity!"
In Spanish: “¡Cuán bueno y cuán agradable es que los hermanos convivan en armonía!”
I believe God takes delight when we come together and serve others in His name.
In mid-August, I had the privilege to serve on a Forward Edge International team in a small neighborhood on the outskirts of Oaxaca, Mexico. The 16 members of the team came from three states, eight different churches and ranged in age from 12 to 67 years old. We had met three times via zoom prior to arriving in Oaxaca and had divvied up some responsibilities. What a blessing to see how perfectly God had gifted this group for ministering in harmony to the children, families and staff at Trigo y Miel (Wheat and Honey)! Trigo typically feeds lunch to close to 100 kids six days a week. Last year they started a school, Escuela Siloé, with 28 students. This year they have 49 enrolled.
On our first full day, we participated in their Saturday Bible School and played games with the children after lunch. What a joy to see everyone participating and having fun together even though there was a language barrier for most of us. (Fortunately, we did have a couple of interpreters.) A number of team members sponsor children in the program and were excited to meet their children face to face. I have sponsored Jesús Daniel for five years, but hadn’t seen him since 2018. He’s grown 9 inches in that time and will turn 15 in October!
Ángel Gabriel is the other boy I sponsor, whom many of you have prayed for over the years. He was diagnosed with cancer (ALL), shortly after I started sponsoring him in 2018. After two+ years of chemo, he was in remission, happy, healthy and strong. PTL! *
He was asked to pray before lunch one day and finished his prayer thanking God for bringing the gringos. Made me chuckle! I captured the smile that broke across Victor’s face as I took a photo of Angel praying. Victor and Lety, are the couple who had the vision of working in this community 16 years ago. God has used them in a mighty way to bless and encourage the children and their families. Most kids come and give them a hug before they leave each day. That’s a lot of hugs!
For three days we ran activities for the kids while the moms rotated through three different stations, (fabric craft, wooden picture frame decorating and nail care/foot care/facials). Everyone seemed happily engaged in what they were doing. Even the one team member, who wanted nothing to do with anyone’s feet, worked at the foot care station. How the Lord must have rejoiced in that act of humble submission of her will. We, too, were proud of her and shared that during our evening team debrief.
Other “snapshots” of harmonizing moments were when team members:
- popped into the kitchen to help the cooks chop vegetables and prep for lunch
- taught little children how to shoot a basketball
- colored animal matching cards for the next day’s activity
- played catch, tag, shot baskets or kicked soccer balls around with kids
- sat side-by-side with their sponsor child making special memories together
- held babies/toddlers so the moms could do crafts
It was a delight to serve with this wonderful team and “dwell in unity” with our brothers and sisters in Mexico. I know in part this occurred because so many people were praying for us. Thank you!
¡Dios te bendiga! (God bless you!)
Leslie Hillman
¡Dios te bendiga! (God bless you!)
Leslie Hillman
*P.S. Leslie got word Wednesday morning that Angel was just readmitted to the hospital having found out that the cancer has spread to his brain and bones. Please pray for him and his family, as well as his classmates at school and friends at Trigo. Thank you!
I so appreciate you, Leslie. You are such a great example of a humble servant, and your time in Oaxaca, Mexico is such an indication of the love you give to others in the name of our Lord, Jesus. You live your faith and I'm so grateful to have you as my friend. May our great God bless you and grant you more desires of your heart.
Love,
Jane
Thanks for a wonderful blog!!! Great job