The Need For A Base In The Village

Submitted by Jason;

     As we continue to work in Buena Vista, Bz and build relationships with the locals, we are becoming more and more aware of the needs of this village. We've known from the beginning that the real need here is for long term discipleship, people that commit to invest in the lives of the children, youth and adults. The affects of "gringos" (Americans) that have come and given financially to the poor in the name of Christ, love or basic good will and then left are evident to us as we visit the village and talk with the people.
     The result is a welfare mentality that passes from generation to generation struggling from season to season awaiting for the next hand out. Many able-bodied men do not work. They seem to find a way to survive in poverty and in some cases have mastered the art of appearing hopelessly desperate for help from anyone whose love of Christ or heart to give is greater than their ability to see the reasons behind their poverty. Having said that, the truth of the matter is still that many children suffer as a result of this cycle.
     Last Saturday, a 9 yr old boy, who is new to the village, attended our Sat night outreach for the first time. We've been told that he was given over to strangers to look after him by his extended family. We've since heard that this young boy told another girl that his father is in jail for murdering his mother by slitting her throat. He came to the village with the clothes on his back and a few belongings that he carried in a plastic store bag.
     I posted some information on Facebook to see if any of my friends would be interested in helping this boy with some of his basic needs. Several people have contacted me with a desire to help. At this point it appears that, through these friends, I'll be able to facilitate the purchase of school uniforms, school supplies, socks, underwear, shoes, toiletries, a blanket, a pillow, a few toys and possibly even a bicycle. I'm thankful for the quick response of those committed to help.
     At this time, I feel that it's important to inform our family and friends of the predicament that we're facing. While this particular boy's circumstances may be extraordinary in terms of immediate needs, the number of children in the village that we would consider having legitimate needs are overwhelming. Because of this, we're praying about a solution to determining which, and how many, needs we can help meet without enabling the above mentioned welfare mentality.
     We've talked briefly with the principal of the school yesterday in an effort to gain insight into this matter. We have committed to meet with her next Tuesday to continue our conversation.
     As we currently understand, most children in the village only attend school until the age of 11 or 12. For most, at this time, they're forced to make adult decisions regarding their future based upon whether or not they'll have enough money or sponsors to continue their education or will they need to try to find work? Many of the students fortunate enough to have sponsors are sponsored for one year. This leaves these kids uncertain if they'll attend school the following year or not. The ones that are unable to continue their education wind up wandering the village engaged in drinking, sex and drugs.
     So, this is where we come in. We, as in, us and you.
     Our desire is to have a permanent structure in Buena Vista from which we could minister to the needs of the community and have a long term discipleship program as well. We're praying that the right property and resources become available for us to continue this work that He's begun in us and in Buena Vista.
     So, while we continue to selectively find ways to meet the outstanding individual needs of the village, I'm asking that you please understand that if you have a sincere desire to help these kids, the real long term solution is in supporting the need for a base in the village for us to operate from.
     Thanks for taking the time to read this in it's entirety.
     Please feel free to contact Francie, or me, with questions, concerns or a desire for more information. I struggled to keep this as brief as possible.
     As always, thanks to all of you who support us, both financially and in prayer.