“Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” 

Mark 10:14

Over the weekend, I had the distinct honor of meeting a beautiful, gentle lady from the Philippines who works for God in the slums of Manila.  In 1978, “Sol” had completed her accounting studies and prepared to take her CPA exams.  As she was reviewing for her board examination, she met the Lord Jesus and her life was changed forever!

God gave Sol a heart for abused and neglected children. She began going into the red-light districts of Manila searching for boys and girls to rescue.  Her heart ached for the young children abused and exploited by pedophiles and misused by neglectful parents.  She and her friends would sit in the city square and when the evil men would come for the children, she would chase them away!  This went on for some time, her life was threatened!  When the children disappeared for a few days, then came back with new clothes and shoes, bringing cakes and good things to eat, Sol knew they had been exploited again.

She realized she would need a safe place, a drop-off center for the children to sleep with nutritious food provided.  In the neighborhood, a store became available, Sol paid three months’ rent and moved in.  She had no idea where additional funds would come, but she had a BIG God and she trusted Him!  The store was small, but the children prayed and soon the florist shop next door went out of business and she was able to expand the center.  The children were ecstatic, now there would be a place for them to spread out!  But how to pay the rent?  Sol and the children prayed!  A lady who lived nearby walked into the center and offered to pay the rent for the remaining year!  Every time they prayed, the Lord provided for their needs.  “Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”  Psalm 50:15. 

 As each necessity arose, the Lord provided the funds for the next step.  Sol felt compelled to move the children out of their environment and into the country.  The Lord provided a house to care for 20 children and the funds came in.  As the ministry grew, more homes were provided, some with three stories to house boys and girls on different floors.  The children would receive an education to prepare them for a sustainable future where they could provide for themselves and their future families.  Teachers and helpers came along and the ministry grew.  Today, there are four homes and many children are blessed with healthcare, an education, loving caregivers, but most of all, they learn about the One who died to save them from a life of sin.  They learn that Jesus died for them and He has a special plan for each one of their lives.  They don’t have to live in poverty and shame, Jesus gives them a life of hope and transformation.  He will sustain them and be with them forever!

Sol lives out the meaning of the verse, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”  Matthew 25:40.

Your friend, Jean