One Hundred & Fifty

At the end of each year, Students International gives a small gift to each person who has participated regularly at our many ministry sites.  Daisy and Caroline had the daunting task of going through the El Callejon rosters to compile our list.  When they were done, 150 names were turned in. 

On average, one hundred and fifty women, teens and girls come to our small site every week.  The list didn’t include folks who came once or twice in the year, but regular attenders.  One hundred and fifty living lives which are not always easy.  One hundred and fifty who are mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, aunts and grandmothers.  What an honor and responsibility to share Jesus with all of these precious daughters of our King!

Here is a photo of a ‘typical’ scene.  Daisy is surrounded by women wanting her help with their projects (the poinsettias).  Since this is the Young Women’s group, several also bring along their little ones.  (Andres took a dip in a bucket of water and is wet, wet, wet!)  Some of the girls stop by on their way home from morning school to visit.  Oh, and our ‘mascot’ is here, too – one of the many dogs who wander around El Callejon (along with the chickens and roosters!). 

 One hundred and fifty is a lot, but it is not every female in El Callejon.  Because our space and resources are somewhat limited (both materials and personnel) we can only allow ‘new’ sign ups twice a year, in January and in July.  Each year, most of the ‘regulars’ return.  Sometimes someone new will come and stay.  Other times, they try it, and don’t come back. 

Since our first priority is Bible study, and speaking the truth in love, not everyone is interested.  But, our prayer is that those who continue to come will leave encouraged, challenged, having heard more about Jesus and His desire for them to live lives which reflect Him. 

Right now we are praying about, and planning topics for, our various groups for the new year.  We want to share the truth of the Bible in ways which are relevant to their lives in El Callejon.  (For example, lots of marriage enrichment books talk about getting a babysitter and having a date night.  Or, books for teens have examples like worrying about which college to choose.  These are great in North America, but not really applicable in El Callejon.)        

One hundred and fifty women, teens and girls each week.  On the one hand, it’s a tiny part of God’s big world.  On the other, one hundred and fifty growing disciples can have a powerful impact on the entire community of El Callejon.  That is our prayer.  That as they grow in Jesus, these sisters in Christ will be a part of His transforming work in their families and community. 

We’ll be the first to admit, our Site is a little bit crazy at times!  But ministry that matters is not neat and tidy.  It’s loud, crowded, sometimes a little smelly, full of personalities… and glitter! 

We ask you to continue lifting up the Social Work Site, that we will remain faithful to God’s call to serve Him, sharing Jesus in El Callejon.