A Night at the City Dump

“I want to share with you one of the ministries I have liked very much, one of the ministries that makes me reflect a lot on the love of God. This ministry consists of spending an afternoon and night with several of the families living in and around the city garbage dump. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to get to know these beautiful families very well and to spend time with the children.

Spending time with each of these families has been an incredible experience— eating, playing, watching movies, and talking. I’m so grateful to each of them for the trust they have given me and for the opportunity to share with them not only of their time, but share the love and joy of God.

One of my favorite parts is when we talk about how our day was. Sometimes it makes me sad, however, to see the example the children receive from their parents and other people that live close to them— such as parents that get drunk, families that fight, vocabulary that is inappropriate for children to hear. There are times when some of the children share with me the problems their parents have and some tell me, “Christian, can you pray for my parents, it’s that they aren’t talking to each other and are fighting.” As a result of all of this, some of the children do not have the mind of a child— They have already lost their childhood innocence. Their form of talking, their attitude, and their mind are not of a child anymore, but instead of an adult.

Sometimes children come that are not a part of the family. I remember one night where eight children came to the house where I was visiting. The family I was visiting opened up the door to their home and welcomed the children in. They shared with them the food that we had given them. Later we all watched a movie on my laptop, played games, and finally talked. After this happened, I reflected on my time with them, and I realized that everything we shared with this family, they shared with others. 

The experience that I had every night and made it hard to sleep were the incredible amount of mosquitos that were in each of their homes! I asked myself, How in the world can they sleep so well and not feel the mosquitos bite them?! Maybe they are accustomed to it!” And I couldn’t wear insect repellant because I am allergic to it, but I thank God for protecting me from any illnesses that can be passed by mosquitos. 
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It is incredible to spend an afternoon and night with one of these families and to get to know them better. It's amazing that through this ministry, I can share the love and joy of God. I really want to thank everyone who has supported me in your prayers and also economically. Thanks to God and to you all for making this possible. Thank you for the opportunity you have given me to share the love and joy of God.” 
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-Christian, PJM Missionary