building up, not tearing down
One of my highlights from the past few weeks has been getting to know the guys from the carpentry shop. This is a group of guys ranging from 17-36 years old. The dream is to teach a skill which will provide additional opportunities to work rather than be involved with the gangs. When I first started my work in La Limonada this was only a dream in the minds of Shorty and Tita. It has been amazing to be a part of seeing the dream become a reality and so much greater than originally imagined.
Since the carpentry shop began about a month ago the group has been involved in building a house, learning carpentry in the school, receiving English lessons, studying the Bible with Shorty, playing soccer with our team, and more. While they were building the house our team made frequent visits to see the progress and spend time with the guys. Someone from our team made the comment that this may be the first time these guys are building, or giving life to, something. Many of them are more accustomed to tearing down, stealing, taking lives. I am reminded of the verse in Ephesians which says:
“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” Ephesians 4:28
This is exactly what I have seen happening. They are spending their time to help others, learn a skill, and make honest money rather than steal and destroy. It is evident that God is at work in the lives of the guys through the carpentry shop. The guys are opening up, taking turns praying, and worshiping God together. I look forward to seeing what God continues to do through the carpentry shop.
