Here in Costa Rica there are many homeless men and women who walk the streets and ask for food, toothbrushes, soap and other small things. We have become acustom to one man by the name of Oscar. He comes by our house and rings our door bell once or twice a week. He usually has dirty and torn clothes worn out sandals and well....he looks like what he is "homeless". When we know that it is him, we usually prepare a little bag of food for him. The bag may include; some fruit, cookies, crackers, a sandwich or anything that we have at that moment that we can share with him. Wendy, Mark's sister recently brought us some new T-shirts so that we could give him a new shirt every other week or so. Sometimes, we throw in a toothbrush, travel tooth paste and maybe a pair of socks. He is always so grateful for what he receives and is normally eating on something in the bag while he is standing there talking to us. He has even offered to help us by practicing Spanish with us. Mark talks to him about his salvation and he assures us that he is "saved". The last 2 months or so he wants to always show his gratefulness and appreciation for our time with a handshake for Mark and Hunter.
Well, today was no different. The door bell rang and Hunter exclaimed that it was Oscar. Mark hurried to the kitchen to prepare the bag of goodies for him and Hunter ran it down stairs. Once Hunter was down there Oscar asked "Donde esta su mama, aqui en la casa?' He asked if I was at home and Hunter replied with a "yes". I could not go down because of being on bed rest and for those of you who know me know ...that it is killing me to not be able to do anything. Well, anyway Hunter locked the gate and quickly ran upstairs full of excitement. He said, "Momma, look , look what Oscar got for you today." It was a beautiful little potted plant. It was just what I needed. Now, I am not sure how he obtained this pretty little plant but I can say that he was wanting to show his appreciation for what we do for him. We show him everytime he comes that we care for him by helping him with food and small items that we have around the house. Today, he wanted to show us how much he cared for us and for our wilingness to help him out. We see Oscar with our heart, as a person who needs help, a second chance, a person who longs for friendship. In the Bible it says in Galatians 6:9-10 " And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
While handing out a little food here and there is really no big deal to us, it has made an impact on his life. With that said God can use the seed that has been planted for something good. Who knows if Oscar will ever get his life on track and have a home again. But for now at least he can say that he has people that care about him and think of him in prayer. Please help us by praying for Oscar and that he will want to change his life and live for Christ.
Kindness is a language the dumb can speak, the deaf can hear, and the blind can see.
Nice plant! Good luck with your bedrest and remember that people are praying for you all over the place... Even in Ecuador! :)
ReplyDeleteTake care!
Mattias ( for the rest of the family too )
Mark and Amy - - I don't know how to say this. Each time I get the e-mail of a posting - I stop what I'm doing and read it. You may not know this but you do God's work everyday you post. As much as going to church on sunday is a part of my life - so is the reading of the blog. Thank you for the work you do in my life everyday - God Bless the george
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling us about Oscar. His situation sounds pitiful, but it is wonderful that God is obviously using your family to minister to him! We'll keep you guys in our prayers:)
ReplyDeleteThat's a sweet story. I have a feeling you'll see Oscar again some day in Heaven. He'll be waiting to greet you to give you another thank you for what you did for him!
ReplyDeleteWe're praying for you and the baby!
Gwen