I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven

-Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ

It’s Wednesday evening and as we arrive at the trailer park we see the commotion. There is an excitement in the air outside. We are embraced by our friends at “Dejar venid los ninos a Mi” (Let the children come to me), the ministry led by Pastors Arnaldo & Maria Vasquez. We’ve been invited to their church… their community of faith… to join them the in the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

The parents are excited for the children. The children are excited for the gifts. The pastors are excited to share the Christmas message. We would have better luck herding cats than containing the enthusiasm of the evening.

Much like our Saturday morning breakfast and worship service… this is not your “normal” church. They meet outside, under a 20′x20′ canopy between two trailers in the middle of poverty. It’s cold outside. Everyone is bundled up. But the cold air does not dampen the spirit.

We sit and listen to the story churches all over the world tell this time of year. The story from Luke 2. We then have a great surprise… a group of young girls, all about eight years old, do a dance to the song Joy to the World. They were dressed in their dance costumes and had practiced long for this day.

For the next 45 minutes gifts are distributed to the children. The evening ends and as Kim and I climb into our truck we sit for a moment – amazed and grateful to God and to all of you who helped those who live in such poverty.

We do not often write about this part of Prodigal’s Home. But this ministry which began as a meal and Bible study for about 20 children has grown to a full blown church serving nearly 200 people.

We help to provide nearly 3,000 pounds of food per week, every week of the year, to this group of 200 people. It takes $1,000 per month to provide the food and supplies.

Please consider supporting us so we may continue to bring hope in the midst of hopelessness, food in the midst of hunger, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all those willing to hear.

On behalf of all us at Prodigal’s Home we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Grace & Peace,

Mike