God Be The Solution

Josh Chinn Quality Blog Post #8

Today, we visited The MITS Farm and spent time with the youth who had been selected to grow at the Farm instead of places like the Eastleigh MITS center. Each and every single person had an inspiring unique story and it was such a blessing to hear each boy and girl speak and share. To be honest, it was hard to compare Eastleigh and The Farm back to back because you were so encouraged by the hope and the potential many of the kids had at The Farm, but you felt so terrible for the kids who live in dangerous areas such as Eastleigh. Still, each kid you talked to shared their stories and I loved hearing them all.

There are quite a few kids at The Farm and each of them learn trades and skills that will hopefully help them succeed after they graduate from The Farm. The kids are mostly teenagers aged up to 18 and are led by Jackton and his wife Millicent and other people, some graduates of the program, who care and want to give help and support to the youth as they grow. Jackton was such an amazing person. He has such a big heart and cares for each and every kid and is willing to listen to, spend time with, and share love with every boy and girl in the Farm. We split off into small groups once we got there and I was lucky enough to be in Jackton's group. When we were told to share a little bit about our lives, over half the kids said they didn't have parents or had abusive ones, but then proceeded to praise Jackton and thank him for everything he's done in their lives. They consider Jackton and Millicent as their parents and I was really touched by how much Jackton cares for the kids and how thankful the guys are in return. I can't say enough about how much I respect Jackton. He teaches the kids about God and loves to play soccer with them (and he's darn good too), and he's leading them down a path that will end fruitfully.

I also heard stories from the youth. Many of them had grown up in Eastleigh and shared their troubles at home in the slums before running away, and also at Eastleigh. They are so thankful and they realize how fortunate they are now. They don't have too much, but I feel like they are so much more thankful than many of us at home. Paul, Eddy and George each admitted to being "bad boys" growing up in Eastleigh and had stolen and cheated many others out of what they had, but each of them had come to know God and now live at The Farm and are praising God for the works He has done in their lives. George was one of my favorites. He is 18 and will graduate the program soon and he loves Reggae music and enjoys dancing. He is outgoing and creative and can do a darn good impression of a camel. He has many big plans for his life and I'm glad he realizes his potential, but he also knows how much he has been given and how many others aren't as fortunate. The kids' grateful attitude was eye opening and I had so much fun listening to what God has done in their lives.

After sharing and receiving a tour from Jackton, we had lunch and then a worship session. The students were hesitant to jump and do some of the hand motions during the songs so I spontaneously yelled out "EVERYBODY JUMP!" and I was so excited to see the youth's participation and energy. However, nothing can match the intensity and passion they have for soccer. It's about a 10 minute walk to the soccer field and all they had was some black sand between giant metal poles, but when we played, they acted as if they were in the World Cup. Jackton and all of the boys played with the "mzungus" (foreigners) and we split up into teams under the hot sun. It was so much fun- these kids are so talented and I wouldn't be surprised if many of them would star on a varsity soccer team in the States. There was one play where I was about to head a ball and this boy who wasn't much taller than me jumps out of nowhere and bicycle kicks the ball away. It was ridiculous. I couldn't believe my eyes. In the end, we ended up tying 1-1 and we went home sweaty and thirsty.

Today was an awesome day. It was tough to see Eastleigh yesterday and take in the conditions and situation many kids were in, but today gave me such hope after seeing and hearing how well some of the kids turn out. Each and every kid has a bright future and I'm hoping I can keep in contact through email with some of them. They will all be in my prayers, especially George who I'll never see again because he'll graduate, and I wished them all the best. As I left, I saw a smaller kid who I had never met before, but I shook his hand and said "Good luck." He replied to me "I don't need luck, I have God with me." To see the growth and maturity the youth have developed was amazing. It shows me how God has a plan for everyone and that there are answers to some of the problems on the streets in areas like Eastleigh. Even though many kids still live out on the streets, it gives me hope to see people like the ones at The Farm growing through Christ.

"Whoa-oh, God be the solution."

-Josh