Ricardo and Jenifer: Oti's two oldest kids

Ricardo (15)

Ricardo is 15 yrs old, and has never been in school. When I first met Ricardo in November 2010, he seemed hard and aloof. Sometimes when I sense this from other kids we work with, it frustrates me. But then I remember that, just like me, their story effects how they respond to life. And sadly, Ricardo's story has been plagued with difficulty. Ricardo lost his father and has, by default, become responsible for part of his family's income, which means he's often on the streets.

On a recent visit with Oti, we prayed over her and her kids, as we often do. I was standing behind Ricardo and put my hand on him as we prayed. During that prayer, the Holy Spirit spoke to me about how and why I need to pray for Ricardo. As the father of a 15 yr old son, I was struck by how vulnerable Ricardo is. Although his mother loves him, he is often out on the street trying to make money and being exposed to many temptations and a lot of people looking for an easy target. I believe he probably has very mixed feelings, because on one hand he feels responsible to provide for his family, however that looks. But he's probably also tired of being responsible and just wants to find some friends to fit in with....however that looks.

So I pray for Ricardo. That he will hang on to his family. And that God will protect his young life and soul from the enemies that tempt him in ways my 15 yr. old son will probably never know. Pls pray with me for Ricardo.



Jenifer - 11

Jenifer-the-Joyful, that is what I'll call her. I rarely see her without a smile and yet, as the oldest daugther (11 yrs), she often carries many motherly responsibilities, helping take care of her younger siblings. Jenifer is one of Oti's four girls who started first grade this year. She is working very hard and enjoys learning. (I wonder how far she would be now if she had started school when she was younger.) I believe in Jenifer. And I believe God has a plan for her life, despite how far behind she is. And I believe we get the privilege of serving Jenifer so God can show us just how special she is to Him. Everyone of His children has the the promise of hope.

The last two times we visited Oti's family, Jenifer went and found her homework and quickly brought it to me...she was looking for some "fatherly" approval. I hugged her, and told her how proud I was of her. More importantly I want Jenifer to know how proud her heavenly Father is of her and how much He loves her. You know what else she did? She asked us for a Bible.

Please pray for Jenifer...that she will keep her joyful view of life even in the midst of her circumstances. Pray that she will continue to enjoy school and serve as an example to her brothers and sisters. And most importantly, that she will come to understand just how much Jesus loves her and what that means to her life on earth and to her eternity.