Oscar: Bless The El Salvadorian Children

Sunday, September 7, 2008
Oscar
The children were sitting around a large table eating breakfast when we arrived.

There were about 30 of them and they ranged from pre-schoolers to around twelve in age. As we walked into the compound, they began yelling excitedly in Spanish. There was one boy who out yelled the other children and he was trying to use what little English he knew. I took one look at him and knew he was trouble. He had a smile on his face, but he exuded mischief. In fact, he was leading the pack to see who could yell at us the loudest. I turned to look at my boys and Grier. The looks on their faces conveyed what I felt. This was going to be a tough and rambunctious audience. I prayed in my head for God to lead us and show us how to connect with these kids.


These precious children are a part of Ricardo’s ministry. Ricardo and his wife minister to recovering drug addicts, but on Saturday they minister to poor children who live around the compound where their ministry is. Many of the men who are recovering from drugs and alcohol sat around the outside area and watched as we were there. Ricardo had a microphone and speaker so that all we said to the children was heard by those close by.

As the children finished eating they began moving to a different area and started to play. I was introduced to Ricardo and his wife and we discussed the logistics of our talk. When I looked around for the boys, I realized they had joined the other kids to play.

I then looked for Grier and she sat at a table of about 4-5 kids trying to share with them in Spanish.

I saw another small table of children and joined them.

I asked the names of the children at the table. I understood David, Marta (Martha) and Mario. I then looked at Martha and told her there is a Martha in the Bible who was with Jesus and she cooked for Jesus. I explained to David there is a David in the Bible who was very strong and God said David had a heart for Him. It was then that the mischievous little boy showed up. He sat at the table and smiled that smile at me. I asked his name. Oscar.

As God would have it, I had been with two men the day before named Oscar. I told Oscar this and that they both loved God and were good men. I then shared about a third Oscar back in my hometown. “This Oscar is much respected in my city because he is very kind and loves the Lord. Maybe one day you will be respected because you are kind to others and show them the love of the Lord. It’s possible.” I stated it as a fact and gave him questioning eyes. He took this in a minute and then he nodded.

Oscar’s hand is going up to accept Christ.

We were called to begin speaking. Oscar sat on the front row, right in front of me. The children were perfectly still during the whole presentation. They listened intently and participated enthusiastically when asked. We shared the Gospel and when we asked if anyone wanted to accept Christ, guess who the first to raise his hand was? Oscar. He led the way and several other boys came forward too.

The boys who accepted Christ… Oscar is third from the left (with a hand on the boys on either side of him). Ricardo and Julio (our translator) are in the back.

Please pray that God will break through the obstacles in the lives of these children and that they will follow Him.

Pray they will all have a heart for God and will be known by the love of Jesus they show to others.

Please also pray for the other Oscars who were wonderful role models to a boy they never met.