The story of Cute

I realize over the course of this missionary journey that I have not shared the full impact of everything that has been happening here in Manila. So many things happen in our community daily that are worthy to be wept over. I have become numb over time, insulating myself from the emotions that all these experiences should cause and deep down I do feel the pain of the fall in all of these things. In insulating myself I have not been able to adequately reflect on all things that happen here in Damayang Lagi. These men and women live day to day in survival mode deprived not only of the luxuries of the world but also the necessities. I realize this is late in the game to recognize this but from here on out I plan to share all the experiences with you. I could write volumes of books about everything that happens here in the community but over the next couple months as I continue to process everything that is happening here, especially in light of my coming home to the states next week, I pray that you will continue to follow as I write it down here. Please look at each of these stories on a level that is below the surface. Although I may not be an eloquent writer, let these stories sink in and realize that with each story is a face, an experience that happened to someone as it could happen to your brother or sister, son or daughter.

The first story I will share is about a boy named Joseph. Joseph, who is properly nicknamed “Cute”, is a 10-year-old malnourished child that lives here in the slum. Although 10 he has the body of a 6-year-old because of his lack of nutrition over the years. This kid, in spite of all the hardships he has endured, never lacks a smile on his face. We see him every morning for breakfast as he slowly climbs our stairs still rubbing his eyes from the sleep he just woke up from. His favorite game is called Smackdown. After he eats his meal he runs into the room upstairs and starts shouting smackdown and we begin to wrestle with him around the room. He hangs out with us all day until his sister comes in the evening to walk him home. He has become a child of ours while we are here and he is looked over not only by us but also by the older guys we have become close with here, the guys nicknamed “Mafia”.

A couple weeks ago Cute came over to our house at about 8PM stumbling up the stairs. Having a dizzy look on his face, he could not concentrate or even hold his head up. When he reached the top he fell into Leann’s arms. He reeked of alcohol. One of the guys in the community was celebrating his birthday with some friends and they thought it would be funny to give Cute a drink called Hunch Punch, a blend of liquors mixed with fruit punch. They told him it would be fun to drink and gave him about 7 shots. After, while they were still partying, Cute stumbled through our door. We spent the next 3 hours nursing him, getting him to drink water and feeding him rice to absorb the liquor. Never did I think I would have to use these techniques on a 10-year-old boy. After hours of this Cute finally was able to go to sleep after sobering up quite a bit.

When you try to describe who the poor are it isn’t just the people who don’t have luxuries. The poor are the weak and oppressed, those who are caught under some sort of weight that they can’t overcome. They are those who are the lowest in society and the most helpless. Who are the poorest among these but the children? As it is children look to others to provide them food and clothing. They have to rely on those older than them for shelter and guidance. In general children are the weakest, the poor children are the weakest of all.

As Christians, we are called to look out for the poor and oppressed. Jesus once pulled a child aside told his disciples that whoever receives this child receives him and the one who sent him. To receive Christ we must seek out those who are the least in the world and receive them into our lives, making their burdens ours, and striving to set them free from the oppression they face. Who are burdened the most but the Cutes of this world?

Joseph or "Cute" as we know him

Camp

Over the past couple months we have been planning a retreat for the youth here in Damayang Lagi. It was a time to get away from the slum to an outside province in a place called Laguna located in the mountains south on Manila. Forty youth from the age of 13 to 23 came to the Word of Life camp to learn about who God really is, learn more about the gospel and enjoy time together away from the chaos of the slum. It was beautiful. These three days were spent exploring different aspects of what it means to be a Christian and what is the life that God has to offer. There were team building games, relay races, a pool they could play and splash in and of course basketball. Each of us had the chance to lead a group of youth through different activities and Bible studies.

What was probably the greatest blessing was being able to watch community form around the central theme of the gospel. This community that was formed has carried on into Damayang Lagi. These men and women we see here now come over everyday not just to eat but also come asking questions about God and life. We have Bible studies in our “Condo” everyday, and when we skip a day they are quick to question us about it. When they borrow one of our iPods, instead of hearing them sing Bruno Mars, which is typical, it is Hillsong United or some other kind of worship music. God is moving among these people. Although I feel that I have stumbled my way through these past couple months, dragging my feet and failing at communication God has still used all that to move in this community. Although I have said it much, it really is beautiful.