La Jungla

One of the ministries that we do is called La Jungla.  La Jungla is actually a place, about a one block area that is known for its high concentration of drug dealers, and addicts.  Every Thursday morning, Trevor and myself go to the jungle for about an hour or so with Pepe, Mario, the Pastor of one of the local churches, and his daughter, bringing crackers and tang.  The Pastor gives a brief message to the guys there (who gather around for the crackers and tang), and then we pass out the food and drinks and talk with them.  Our ultimate goal is to get them to come to the bible study on Wednesday/Friday, or church on Sunday.  So far we have about 8 guys that come every bible study/church service, and the number is growing.  From there they can get discipleship, rehab, and hopefully be lights to their friends back at La Jungla.  Pepe also leads a bible study there every Tuesday.  One of the awesome things that is happening through this is the desire to just build friendships with them, and their desire to get to know us.  Our relationship is growing from entirely intentional conversations about God to also include more of a casual friendship.  Charles said about a week ago that true discipleship looks no different then friendship, that if you are truly rooting yourself in God and seeking him with all you have, the time that you spend just being friends with people will naturally also be a time of discipleship.  I am excited to see this lived out over the next couple months.  Pray for us, as well as the guys at La Jungla, for safety, and growth in God-centered friendships.