Hello, friends. Here’s a short quiz:

What do kids here take to church?

A. Glue

B. Ice picks

C. Butcher knives

D. All of the above

Unfortunately D—“All of the above” is the correct answer.

A—“Glue” refers to the adhesive glue that kills their hunger. It’s cheaper than food, and lasts longer. A five peso bottle of Rugby (glue), will last for a couple weeks in killing their hunger, whereas 5 pesos or 10 cents will only buy enough food to last for a very short period of time…and then the hunger returns. The Family Circus bakery/cafeteria is nearly operational. This will help us address the needs of the hungry, malnourished children. We still lack some essential items, a transformer, electrical wiring, water tanks, and gas hookups. (Please pray with us.)

B and C—Ice picks and butcher knives are for self protection and for settling gang-related fights. During a service a few days ago, we removed a big butcher knife from a teenager. The week before, another young person had a long ice pick (12”+) confiscated. We know that this is not normal in most church services, yet if we want to minister to children living in poverty, we must be prepared for the dangers included. It’s similar to going through the airport check in services. A small percentage of travelers intend to hurt people, yet to provide security for everyone, there must be searches. We haven’t yet purchased a metal security wand, but we are looking for one. Our first line of defense is prayer, and we ask you to please join us in this battle.

We have advance information that a gang is coming to services this week with various weapons. This weekend’s target is another gang that also attends our services. The informant explained to us that we are not the target, just the other gang of kids. We’ve had a strong police presence for the past two weeks, and it looks like they may become a permanent part of our church services. Lives are being changed. How would you feel if a nine-year-old threatened to kill you and your spouse? That’s what happened to us last week. Warfare? Yes! Again, we depend on your prayers

As you may know, every week, in addition to the two services in the Circus tent, we also hold services under a covered basketball court next to the ocean. About 650–750 kids and family members attend. A couple of weeks ago, our friends held evangelistic rallies on that basketball court for seven nights. Upon arriving the second night, they were told that someone was stabbed to death that day, and the blood was not yet dry. Further investigation revealed that two brothers had a fight. The younger was washing dishes and the older swatted him in the head, angering the younger, who then grabbed an ice pick and stabbed the older (ages 10–14). The older brother then retaliated by stabbing his younger brother with a knife. The younger was taken to the hospital, but the older died on the spot. The older brother attended the service the night before and had signed a Salvation Commitment Card!

Please understand, these kids have grown up with violence. It takes time to change one’s habits. When God gives us forgiveness, it is instantaneous. It’s more than adequate for the past and its power covers us in the future. Even as the thief on the cross experienced, it is strong enough to get us to the right destination. The only thing I know capable of separating us from God’s love is if we walk out of His hand.

Did that happen when the two brothers fought? I have a hunch the angry, dying, hurting boy was not willfully rejecting Christ. Instead, I think a lifetime of reacting to the moment was controlling him. I’m not God, but I am thankful that the evening before this boy did make the important step in the right direction by “asking Jesus’ forgiveness for his sins, and to come live inside his heart.” Asking forgiveness opens the door to allow Jesus to enter and gives us a future. When we accept Christ, we become like a baby in Him. In the same way that babies must learn to walk, so does a new believer. It’s my understanding that our heavenly Father loves His little babies very much. God, in the same way as an earthly father, does not abandon his love and void His forgiveness for his child if he makes a mistake. Many examples of this are recorded in Scripture including God’s friend, King David who had many dark deeds in his life.

We’ve a multitude of troubled children who need to be introduced to their heavenly Father so that they might have an opportunity to grow in Him. Our preference is to see them walk tall for the Lord, but when the house is burning down, getting them to safety is a critical concern.

We teach the kids as if their lives depend on it…because it does.

In it for the King & His kids,

Darrell & Sandy Blatchley