Have you ever watched someone when they are serving with a heart like Christ? I have been seeing Jesus ministering in and through the Manos Extendidas team.

First, with Michael as he is serving the homeless on the streets. He knows most of the people by name and he is always ready with open arms to give that special hug. Recently he asked me if I wanted  to go to the Central Park to give school supplies to a homeless girl so she could stay in school. It really is a different atmosphere going to the same places during the day, where we normally go to serve the homeless at night. With so much commotion, and so many people walking in all directions, it feels like a much different place. I think I could get lost in the crowd! As I tried to keep up with Michael, I heard a loud voice saying “hola mommy”.  I turned to the voice and realized it was a youth that we know who lives on the streets. Sitting at the foot of an old tree that provided shade and a bed for them. They greeted us with warm hugs and asked if we had any food, because they were hungry. Michael said we would be back with something for them.  We left in search of the girl so we could giver her the school supplies. Michael did find the girl’s mom, only to find out that the girl was not around. So we went to Pizza Hut and bought pizza and coke for the 4 guys we saw earlier.   Then we made our way back to the same spot by the big old tree, sat down and shared the meal with them. The thing that touched my heart was when another homeless guy came up to the group with his hand extended begging for a slice. Without a batting an eye, Brian, one of the youth, reaches in the box and hands the gentleman a slice with a smile!  Michael just told me that the following day he invited 5 youth who live on the streets, to go to his house on Sunday for a soup meal. They were fed spiritually and physically. In Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

The second person is Abby. I love watching Abby interact with with others. Her eyes are always smiling. She sees what Jesus’ sees. She is the first to reach out and to help and encourage others who are in need.  Abby is taking English classes for one hour a day, five days a week, and in her spare time is also teaching a youth the same lessons that she is learning. With great enthusiasm Abby encourages this young girl, helping to build-up her confidence as she learns. Abby has a servant heart! Today at church, for example, I noticed a deaf woman with notebook and pen. I saw that she was trying to lip-read. I told Abby that I think we should help her. Right away Abby got up and went to sit down beside Mery. Then she took her notebook and started to write down what Gordon and the translator were saying. About 3 pages later Abby looked at me and said, “I think I want to learn sign language. I want to help her!” Jesus did not come to make God’s love possible, but to make God’s love visible.  He has given Abby His eyes (heart) to see what He sees and what touches His heart! I love seeing her respond to Jesus’ heart and reach out to others in His love! We love having her live in our home and helping to nurture this heart of Jesus in her!