Argentina: How God's love moved into Felipe's home
The MANA program in Argentina does not sound like “heavenly manna” for nothing: children and their families experience care, but also a touch of heaven. Ten churches in and around Mendoza reach more than 100 children and their families. There is a variety of support: food, groups for young people and women, children's Bible lessons, medical advice and pastoral care bring God's love to the people.
Felipe (name changed) and his grandmother hardly ever miss a church event. The fact that the six-year-old is still living with her is almost a miracle. Because when the MANA team met the two of them a year ago, the situation seemed hopeless.
As Felipe's mother was in prison for drug dealing, he moved in with his grandparents in Mendoza. However, he did not feel safe there. His grandfather was often moody and violent towards his grandmother. She became more and more withdrawn, lonely and depressed. There was hardly any attention or affection left for Felipe.
The MANA staff began to accompany Felipe and his grandmother during this difficult time: In prayer, with conversations and visits. Through the loving attention of God and people, the grandmother began to open up. She found faith and experienced how God's love also moved into her home. Her husband became more peaceful and respectful. Felipe experienced for the first time that he could come home relaxed. He loves listening to Bible stories in the children's classes at church and enjoys the company of the other children.
A network of charity
Stories like this show the power of combining personal care and the gospel. Every local MANA ministry is part of a church community. The volunteers see their service to those in need as a service of charity and integrate people into their community: they invite people to church services and children's classes, offer pastoral care, but also courses where parents and grandparents can exchange ideas and acquire skills. For example, they bake bread together or make preserves to build up a second income.
The gospel in word and deed
The MANA program is a good opportunity for the churches to serve the people around them and tell them about Jesus. To support the teams in this, a MANA meeting is held once a year to exchange ideas, grow spiritually and undergo further training. A staff member from the church in Tupungato, around 90 kilometers from Mendoza, is enthusiastic: “We heard about the MANA program from another church. The desire to serve children who need God's love and care also grew in us. A team of four people then attended the MANA meeting in March 2024. Our passion became so strong that today we are already serving five young children and their families in Tupungato."
Saved twice
Daniel (name changed) and his mother are one of these families. They live in the most basic of conditions. When the MANA team saw that they were only sleeping on worn out mattresses and did not even have chairs, they helped immediately and made the small home more comfortable. Daniel's mother was already a believer and grateful that she had found a community where she was accepted. Daniel also began to take steps in faith when he regularly attended the children's class at the church. In the summer, he told his mother: “Mom, I want Jesus to live in my heart!” He joyfully prayed together with her.
A few weeks later, Daniel was playing in the street when there was a loud crash. A van was hit by another vehicle and went off the road. The side mirror got caught in Daniel's clothes and the boy was thrown underneath the car. The helpers who had rushed over quickly pulled him out and were amazed: Daniel only had a scratch on his hand. As Daniel's mother hugged him, he reassured her: “You'd cry for me, but if I die, I'll be with Jesus.”
Thanks to the supporters and prayers
The stories of Felipe, Daniel and their families show how powerful it can be when practical help and the saving gospel come together in the service of the church. Miriam Pizzi, the director of the MANA program, is very grateful to the donors of EBM INTERNATIONAL: “We are very thankful to the Lord for the opportunity to do this wonderful ministry, and we are thankful for each and every one of you for supporting us and praying for us and the children and their families who are able to come to know Christ in the midst of so many difficulties.”
You can support children like Felipe and Daniel with your donation. More than 50 projects in Latin America, Africa and India care for the needs of boys and girls and offer them faith and comfort.
