The two weeks I spent at the Orphanage in December 2005 showed me that God is still blessing both the workers and the children there. It was exciting to see the children I had known turning into young adults who really cared about the well-being of the younger ones. This visit was no exception, either, in hearing some staff say that they had come to know Jesus while working at the Orphanage, and seeing the teens take an active interest in their local church.

 

I am always impressed at the leadership of the Espinoza family, including Ruffo and Erika. The day-to-day work of caring for physical needs keeps everyone busy, but from my point of view in the nursery, emotional healing also began immediately in the newest arrivals. I cannot help thinking that the Orphanage is a wonderful expression of the teamwork we share in the body of Christ.

 

Because it was close to the holidays, several groups came to visit, play, and bring gifts or supplies, some of whom were long-time guests and others who were newer. I met several people from Mexico, the United States, and even some from Europe and Central America who were gladly taking part in the children's lives. Experiencing the joy, energy, and confusion that came with the arrival of each group, as well as the growth that occurs in the steady daily routine, I am encouraged to continue seeking God and living as part of His body.

 

 

I took my first trip to El Sauzal Orphanage in the summer of 2000 with a group from my home church, and I returned for a week-long trip during the next two summers. However, although my church continued to send teams to the orphanage every summer, I was unable to join them for the next two years because of my work at a ministry called The Father’s Ranch in eastern Washington. The Father’s Ranch is a Christ-centered care facility that serves young women with drug and alcohol addictions, eating disorders, and other destructive behaviors. This summer, I was able to join my church’s team and visit the orphanage once again. However, my experience working in another ministry had given me a new perspective on the work at El Sauzal.

 

When I arrived at the orphanage, I began to think about the unique connection between those serving God all around the world, regardless of the location or nature of their ministries. It would be difficult to imagine two ministries more distinct from one another than a Mexican orphanage and a ranch in rural Washington. However, they share the same ultimate goal: to glorify God and honor Him by serving those He brings, and by sharing the Good News of His Son Jesus Christ. Also, as co-members of Christ’s body, indwelt by His Holy Spirit, and fellow workers for His kingdom, those serving at the ranch have more in common with those at the orphanage than they do with some of their closest physical neighbors, or even some of their family members.

Also, my time at The Father’s Ranch allowed me to witness first-hand the brokenness of a life without Christ, and the healing that accompanies salvation and a life of discipleship. This experience served to adjust my priorities, and provided me with a new perspective in visiting the orphanage.

 

Although our team was able to provide for some of their physical needs (and rightly so), my greater concern was for their spiritual encouragement and well-being. I understood first-hand the stress of working in a demanding ministry (although not to the degree that some of the orphanage workers have experienced it), and knew that the greatest service I could provide was to come, not as a philanthropic worker, but as a sister in Christ. I could encourage them, as they have often encouraged me, to grow in my faith and in my understanding of God and His word. As that happens, He will enable them to bear the difficulties that will inevitably come as they continue to serve Him in that part of the world.  

 

Jennie D.

Sofia and Kate

Leti and Kate