From right to left, Bellie Neal, Reymond, and the principal of the school.

The following story can help you put your finger on the pulse of the ministry.

Dear Brother,

Attached is Reymond’s picture. He used to be one of the headaches of the teachers. Whenever there were misbehaving boys called to the principal’s office, Reymond was one of them. He became a sponsored kid when he faithfully attended our Saturday Bible storytime. Here is his story:

The sponsored kids always drop by the house daily to ask for their school allowance. It is just a small amount to buy them snacks during recess time. We give it to them every morning as this gives us the chance to see them and evaluate how they are doing. I noticed that Reymond was thin and pale. I told him that I wanted to eat lunch with him everyday. If I had errands to make in the city, I left the house only after lunch so I could spend time with Reymond and also prepare a healthy meal for him. At first, I needed to stretch my patience. The boy was rough and hard core.

Reymond grew up with a single aunt who is also raising her two little girls. Reymond’s grandfather lives with them as well. Reymond’s aunt is the breadwinner. She earns her living by working and cleaning yards in the neighborhood, which is not everyday.

They live in a squatter’s area, meaning people built their huts and houses on land they don’t own. The neighborhood is a rough one.

Reymond sometimes missed lunch with me. He loved to run around with his rowdy friends. I fussed at him about that, though, and told him I was concerned about who he was running around with. Soon, Reymond moved in to live with me. There were other kids in the house that also moved in with me so I could care for them and keep an eye on them.

Devotion in the house is every evening during school days. My emphasis during this time period was on meditation on the Word of God and so it became more of teaching and preaching as the Spirit lead me.

One time after devotion, the kids told me that Reymond was crying by the well. He was hauling water for the house. I was busy cooking supper so I decided to ask him about that when I had the time. Supper time came and he was still crying. I asked him who quarreled with him or if he had any problem that I could help him with. He said he had no problem, and nobody had quarreled with him. He said he was crying that night because he learned that when God forgives, God also erases and forgets our sins just like we never sinned at all. When I realized that God had touched him that night, I almost could not eat my food. I wanted to cry with him, but the other kids might not understand why Tita and Reymond were crying.

Since then, Reymond was a changed boy. He became good natured, responsible and Godly. He studied better and did his homework diligently. Reymond graduated from Grade VI with a medal and six ribbons during Recognition Day. When his name was called, many pupils clapped their hands. He was also loved by the teachers. Reymond’s life became a living testimony to many. We are so proud of him, but I know that our Father is more proud of this changed life.

All glory and honor and praise be to the one true God who keeps us all in His perfect love.

In Christ,
Sister Bellie

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