By Ivonne R. & Pastor Ron > justgoworld.org

Anticipation

Every time we travel we are in anticipation how God is going to manifest Himself to our team. Before we left to Garbage Village we watched a video to better understand their history and prepare us for our visit. We saw how God had began transforming it from a wasteland without hope, to a resourceful and self sufficient community.

As we entered Garbage Village, we weren’t prepared for the overwhelming welcome that we received. Children ran up to us, saying, “Hi! Hello!” We saw the joy in the children’s eyes as they greeted us with smiles and high-fives. The people were living life in such a way that seemed completely normal. Amidst the piles of garbage around, they continued to live their daily lives. As we walked to the Center of Love, we saw people having coffee at their shops, selling produce, and sharing moments together. These are people who have embraced what God has given them and are using their resources to the fullest extent.

Blessings

We had the blessing to visit homes to drop-off care packages, and to pray for them. We walked through the dark stairways, and entered in the small homes. One family in particular welcomed us warmly. The wife greeted us at the door with her two children. The young kids were smiling at us, jumping and talking just like any other child does. It was easy to note that they were facing difficult times through their living conditions, but they radiated peace.

Her husband soon joined us and asked if we could pray for his wife because she was suffering kidney failure and weren’t able to find any help that they could afford. He also asked for prayer over his children so they wouldn’t fall in addictions as he had with cigarettes. He expressed that he wanted his children to live healthy lives, and that only through Jesus could they find that healing and hope for their family. A prayer was said over them and they gladly joined us. Though we couldn’t talk to them in Arabic, their eyes lit up with thankfulness. Just as warmly as they greeted us, they also sent us with their blessing as we departed.

Community

For the city of over 200,000 people garbage is what creates a sense of community. Elderly, men, women, and children all work in the collection and sorting of trash. There is beauty among the piles of garbage and tons of garbage that come into the city on a daily basis.

Beauty among the garbage. Beautiful items are being created out of trash like candles, purses, toys, clothing, and jewelry. The majestic pyramids of Egypt cannot compare to the beauty that can be found in this city. One of our thoughts as we departed is how our perspective of our own lives have changed. One of our team members said, “Our problems back home aren’t as big anymore.”

Reflecting on what we have witnessed, we realize how great and faithful our God is to complete the good work He has started in this community.