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Alex and his new clothes

There’s a boy named Alex that’s been in our care for well over a year now. His parents abandoned him and his siblings years ago, and he has since been separated from his brothers and sisters as well. He came to us alone with only the clothes on his back and a photocopied picture of his little sister, who he worries and prays for regularly like a good big brother. We gave him a set of new clothes, and he acted as if we had given him gold.

Alex told us how he was given hardly anything at his last home and was even banned from eating if he didn’t behave. This place eventually kicked him out for bad behavior, but since he has been in our care, he is a completely different boy. When I pray for each one, Alex is one of the very few that always offers to pray for me. In fact, I don’t even have to pray for him. As I was saying goodbye to the boys before leaving for Thanksgiving this past week, Alex actually came to me to ask before I left if he could pray for a good trip. He’ll place his little hand on you and pray the most fervent prayer you ever heard.

My "son" Alex and me

I recently surveyed the kids and asked them the question, “How do you know that God loves you?” Alex’s reply touched me the most: “Because I’ve been given clothes and a new family.”

We often question whether or not God loves us based on what we believe we lack. However, I think Alex can teach us that you can be confident that God loves you by focusing on what you already have. I shared this story to my sister Sheri while in Dallas for Thanksgiving, and she was moved to buy Alex some new clothes. Before I left my family, several of them donated a whole lot of clothes for many of the kids. It’s something they really need and ask for regularly, even before toys etc. I was so excited to deliver this blessing to them.

The bag of clothes for the kids and some treats to celebrate my return

As I flew back, I started to really miss my family. We are very close, but I only get to spend time with them a few times a year now. Upon landing, I learned that the airport had lost my bag which had most of my clothes and several other necessities. My coat would have been especially useful as it began to snow of all things. However, having learned from Alex myself, I focused on what I did have: the bag full of clothes for the kids! What a blessing it was to see their smiling faces and excitement as they modeled their new clothes.

Later I got a call from the airport saying they had found my bag, and when I went to pick it up, they handed me a $50 voucher that I will use to see my family again soon. God, I just love how you love me!

Want to donate too? The kids always need clothes! In fact, they often ask for clothes before toys etc. I know the boys especially need jeans/pants.
Send in new or used clothes »
Ask me for sizes etc. »
Donate online towards a clothes shopping trip »

Alex and his new clothes

Juan and the new clothes he asked for to dress nicer for church

Gustavo was very excited about his new clothes

Cristian really needed these new clothes too

The girls checking out their new clothes

Lucia and her new shirt

And her new shoes

Raymundo wandered into the wrong clothes pile

The bag of clothes for the kids and some treats to celebrate my return

This update is dedicated to my mom Shirley, my sister Sheri, and my whole family. I am constantly amazed by you guys and what huge hearts you have. Not only do you support me, but you have taken these kids into your own hearts. Apart from my own life, you truly impact the lives of these kids with your immense love.

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