the core group.

A few years back, when I first started ministry out on the streets, these kids were all on drugs and living in a canal under a bridge...  

These first few photos are of a little family that I've been working with since 2009.  There have been a lot of ups and downs, and it's a still a daily struggle, but they're fighting for a different life.  We're working on teaching them how to be a family... learning to communicate and trust, as well as discover the life God has for them off the streets...  I got them set up in a room way out in the campo, and we (my supporters and I) are helping support them until they get on their feet.  

Please keep them in your prayers.  Zulma has a hungry heart for the Lord and a sincere disdain for the life she used to live.  Gary's not quite there yet, but he's really trying...

Zulma and their 3 year old son, Miguelito, coloring at my kitchen table

Gary and their 1 year old son, Juan Marcelito

Me, Zulma, and little Juan at Cafe Xelda

Zulma, Gary, Juan Marcelo, and Miguel (sleeping on Zulma's back) at Gary's work

I've also been spending a lot of time with Zulma's older sister Patty.  She was the first street-dwelling kid that I got know back in 2008, and I love her like crazy.  

Patty was living in Argentina with her long-term boyfriend, Efrain, all of last year but came back to Bolivia to give birth to their first baby boy (born in January) and has been living with the girls' family out in the campo since December.  Efrain arrived in Cochabamba this past Friday, and I'm currently helping him find a job and a room for them to live in.  

Please be praying for them.  They want a normal life.  Efrain has a violent history (he attacked me more than once), but I know in my heart that there is a strong calling from the Lord on on his life.  BIG things will happen when God gets a hold of his heart.  I love these guys, and although they are doing really well right now, they need a lot or prayer support.

Patty and her baby with her mom (in the hat) and some of her siblings

Patty and baby at my house

Out for ice cream with Patty and Efrain last year