One of the blessings of our work here in Sucre has been the wonderful people that we have gotten to know. Over the past year and a half many servants of the Lord have blessed our lives. They have served us, challenged us, laughed with us, showed us patience, and changed our lives. What we would like to do is introduce you to some of them and share a little about their stories. We know our friends would wish that you see the incredible faithfulness of our Lord through their testimonies and stories. They have taught us how to live with great passion for God and value the blessings that surround us in every moment.
Pastor Francisco (Pancho) Blanco
One of the first people John was introduced to in his work with FH was Pastor Pancho. A few years ago Pancho moved to an extremely poor area of Sucre and planted a church (Horeb Church, first church in the area) reaching families, youth and children of Alta Munyapata. Alto Munyapata is a neighborhood strickened with drugs, abuse, malnutrition and hopelessness. Over the past years Pancho has truly become a light in the midst of deep darkness. Blessed with a deep passion to see children loved and valued Pancho has established an incredible ministry that reaches close to 60 children from the surrounding neighborhood on a daily basis. Children, many of whom are abandoned and abused, have found refugee and hope in the education center Pancho has established. Focused on helping the children realize the purpose God has placed in their lives, the center has become a place of transforming realities.
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| Alta Munyapata |
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| John with Pancho outside Horeb Church |
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| Kids from Alta Munyapata |
It was a year ago, when a precious child in the neighborhood where Pancho serves died of severe malnutrition and neglect, that God placed an additional calling on Pancho’s heart. Fueled by the Word of God in Psalms 27:10 which states, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me,” Pancho established a food kitchen called “The Kings Table.” In a step of faith Pancho started the kitchen sought to reach the most vulnerable children and youth in the neighborhood. Today, almost a year later God has provided enough funds for Pancho to serve 30 children on a daily basis. Lunches consisting of soy, vegetables, quinoa, and other highly nutritious foods share God’s love for these children. Though the documents and blood tests show the incredible increase in health many of these children have experienced, you will never be able to measure the hope, love, and life that Pancho has given through this ministry. A quick visit to the kitchen, and an experience that is filled with smiles, joy, and an amazing sense of hope, will leave you changed. Pancho praises God for the funds to feed these children, and looks forward to seeing how more will be provided to feed the other 30 in the neighborhood who are waiting.
As with each of these friends we will introduce you to, there is so much more we could share. God’s story in their lives is so much deeper than a short blog. We are grateful for their impact which will remain with us and the people they serve for eternity.
Thank you Pancho for your incredible heart of service. You have showed us God’s love and demonstrated a faith that changes realities.
1 comment:
Pancho is an incredible man. We were so blessed to have met him when we visited Bolivia last year. Thanks for sharing his story so that others can see how he is the hands and feet of the Lord.
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