Kaibigan Ko

"Kaibigan Ko" translates to "my friend." And whenever I see this young man I greet him with these words!

His name is Manny, and he lives in Cuatro, the squatters area right outside our door. I've never been to his home, but through talking to Manny and to others, I've been able to find out some information about him and his family. Manny lives at home with his father and his older sister-- technically speaking. In all reality, he is his own caregiver. His mother left the family, his father is rarely around (and usually drunk when he is there), and his older sister isn't much help either.

Manny lives on the street. He wears grungy, dirty, ripped clothes. He has no place to shower. He has no one looking out for him. He stays out late at night. And he only eats when given food from others.

Thankfully, Manny has found love and care through a local church which we call the JCCV (Jesus Christ Church in the Valley). This church, which is next door to our guest house, a partner in ministry with K.I.M., and location of our elementary school (CCS), has stepped up and done exactly what the church is called to do-- help those in need!

Manny has been enrolled in our CCS school in the preschool class (a morning program). And in the afternoons, he comes to the elementary school and hangs out there. He also comes to church and attends Sunday school every week. And can often be seen visiting the YMC guesthouse many days of the week.

Manny's story is not a rare one. There are hundreds, even thousands of kids in the Cuatro community and surrounding areas that live life just like Manny... kids with parents who don't do their job as parents, eating one meal a day, no toothbrush, no showers, no shoes, and worst of all-- no one to show them love.

What a wonderful opportunity and blessing we have been given to reach out to little ones like Manny. As the church, as individuals, as members of the body of Christ.... who else could we be reaching out to today in the name of Jesus?

"let the little ones come unto me..."

Matthew 19:14

Christie Albaugh