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I was not supposed to sit next to Hampton on the plane coming back from Santiago, Dominican Republic in June. He wanted to sleep and at the last minute they changed his seat assignment. We talked during the entire flight to Miami. He is a creative businessman in Santiago developing a recycling business. He has come back to his country after being educated in the United States where he graduated with a pre-med degree from the University of Wisconsin.. We talked by email and then were able to meet again in Santiago on this present trip. I joined him in his journey, wanting to do everything I could to encourage, give ideas etc.
Fast forward to a view of Cien Fuegos where we are bringing the Health Care Team in November. Cien Fuegos is a group of small hills where squatters find their way. Close by is a large garbage dump that is a “life saver” to many. They find their daily ration there. There is a humanitarian issue there. Poor people getting sick for various reasons including lack of education in areas such as hygiene, diabetes and high blood pressure. Lack of employment leads to malnourishment, social issues as well as a deep frustration of what life is all about. It reminds me of the awarding winning Nobel Peace Prize book entitled, “The Colonel has no place to lay his head. ” written by Garcia Marquez. In the book, Marquez descriptively colors a picture of desperate living, a culture within in a culture. There is an oppression that settles in leading to “que sera, sera” which means whatever will be will be. The book deeply affected me when I read it in Spanish, mentored by Spanish professor Luis Solano. I got it.
My friend Hampton was developing his business. My friends in Cien Fuegos were living their lives looking for whatever would hold their day together each day. What if Hampton connected to the church world providing employment for some and in turn developed his business? In God’s timing we had a meeting with Hampton and Pastor Oswaldo, the pastor of the Cien Fuegos church where we are bringing the Health Care Team in November. It was like magic. It was God. A connection was made.
There are young people in Cien Fuegos that will be employed soon. Hamptons’ business will continue to grow. As a matter of fact, a model will be created so that others can be involved. This was a dream come true, responding to great need that not only included a clear presentation of the Gospel, one of integrity and smothered with love; but also a compassionate response to a place I knew needed creativity and God’s stamp of favor. I think the Gospel will be heard!
It was a miracle for Cien Fuegos on a cloudy day.
We also were able to do the necessary measurements and prepare a purchase list for the roof we are going to place on a house in Cien Fuegos as a random act of kindness.
