I have a lot to learn.
 
Last Saturday Pastor Dottie Escobedo-Frank of Crossroads United Methodist Church told me a story of a group of extremely poor folks who could use help.  She told me of Pastor Vasquez, who has been leading a Bible study in the neighborhood he lives in.
 
Not your normal Bible study, mind you.  But one with a group of 60 children.  And in an area of extreme poverty.  One day about a year ago, before the Bible study started, a young boy asked Pastor Vasquez if he had anything to eat.  It was at this point the pastor realized … many of these children were hungry.
 
So they began to feed these children, some of whom may not have parents even living in the U.S. because of the current political climate.
 
As I listen to Dottie’s account, I’m wondering what part of South Phoenix these folks live in.  Then Dottie tells me. They are 5 miles from where I live in northwest Glendale.
 
At first I am “shocked” about the story.  Then I am saddened about my initial response of believing these folks live somewhere far removed from my neighborhood.
 
I have a lot to learn.

After our gathering for the homeless on Saturday morning, I decide to go meet Pastor Vasquez.  As I drive through the trailer park where he lives, I am stunned by the utter and abject poverty.

I knock on Pastor Vasquez’s door, and his wife answers.  She summons her son to translate.  After a moment, she sends the boy away to find her husband.  I sense she knows why I am there.  I’m glad SHE does – because I’m still unsure as to why God has led me here. (more…)