“Thank You for Choosing Us”
As our “brigade” prepared to leave the Rosibel Katin Primary School
in Los Jovitos, Nicaragua, teachers and children gathered in the
humble courtyard to bid us a fond farewell. They unfurled a written
message thanking us for our recent visit and ongoing partnership.
The message, both beautifully written and boisterously spoken,
grabbed our hearts, “Thank you for choosing us!” With laughter,
tears, and hug after hug, we promised, “Hasta el ano que viene.”
Leaving, our van was quiet, and I asked one of my church members
how she was doing. She responded, “I’m having chest pains.” Not
what any pastor wants to hear! She continued, “I left a piece of my
heart with those kids.” As I often say to my church family, “When you
see it, hear it, smell it, taste it, and touch it,” it changes you.
Three years ago, I visited Los Jovitos as a part of a vision team of
Virginia pastors, BGAV leadership, and Food for the Hungry staff.
On that trip, visiting Los Jovitos for the first time, I felt as if this
remote community chose us. Returning to Roanoke, I shared the
experience with my congregation and after prayer, discernment, and
excitement, Grandin Court Baptist Church quickly initiated our
community partnership and child sponsorship with FH. Each of the
last two summers, teams have returned to listen to community
leaders, dream and pray with them, develop goals and priorities, and
of course, spend time with our beautiful school friends.
This partnership has provided a rich experience for our entire
congregation—for those who travel, those who give, those who
sponsor children, and those who pray. Our experience is a
testament to the power of the collective efforts of the people of Los
Jovitos, Food for the Hungry, and the BGAV.
If you are curious about getting involved or want more information, I
encourage you to reach out to BGAV partnership missions, explore
the FH website, or contact a partnering church. Thank you, God for
choosing us!
Dr. Kevin Blane Meadows
Senior Pastor
Grandin Court Baptist Church
Roanoke, Virginia