Discipleship in action

Sometimes when you do short term missions you come away with more than you thought you would. That happened with Juan David. He has come to Bocachica 4 times now since 2012. While coming to do small work projects and witnessing to the kids in the community. He made a friendship with 2 boys. One of them being Yaiker an 11 year old boy. A sweet kid with an infectious smile. He is always happy, loves his family, does well in school, and goes to church by himself regularly. This past May when Juan came he told both boys he's would like to take them for their summer vacation to Bogota. They would spend time with Juan's family, his church and tour the "big" city. Both boys were thrilled with the possibility to go.  Juan returned in Oct. with his father for a week visit and talked with both boys. He found out that one of the boys was having issues. You see he has flunked his grade 2 years in a row now, and not just an education situation, but also a rebellious situation his home life. This gave an opportunity for Juan to witness to the father of the boy. Encouraging him to be active in his son's life and guide his son to do necessary things. Giving him ideas to challenge his son and hope for him to work on things.

Juan with Yaiker last year during Holy week.

This also gave a testimony to Yaiker. On December 6th Yaiker graduated the 5th grade. It was then we gave him the print out of his plane tickets to go to Bogota. Juan paid for a 3 week visit. The smile on Yaiker's face was priceless. I asked him, "Yaiker, what will you do for three weeks in Bogota?" He replied, "I will just say thank you and thank you over and over again." He came up often between the 6th and the 13th when he left for Bogota and one of those time he shared with me that God has blessed him because he is doing good things.

Yaiker's graduating gift: A trip to Bogota!

I am sure anyone would be thrilled to go on an all inclusive vacation. This is a huge process for him and his family. First let me give you a picture of why. Many people here, especially kids on the island stay on the island. Parents  buy their groceries at small Ma and Pa stores daily. They might go into the city for a doctor's appointment or maybe go to the (smelly) market. Many young kids here don't leave the island and go into a mall, a grocery store, or business. Yaiker would leave everything that was normal to him to visit someone special in his life. When we got to the airport he was so nervous to go into a public bathroom. He saw his first ATM machine and thought that was the best invention on earth. :) I have received many updates from Juan sharing about their time together. It has been a blessing to see their friendship. God knew in 2012 he had "bigger" plans for them both than a short term mission trip.

Yaiker with his mom at the airport.

Juan and Yaiker relaxing with a good book.

Yaiker visits Juan's office.

Yaiker, reads the morning news. :)