"let the little children come to me..."

 
“And Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do
     not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
                                                                                              Matthew 19:14
 
 
Dear Friends,
 
I was reflecting upon a conversation I had with a staff member.  Allow me to give you the cliff notes.
 
Betty, after being with City Impact so long, do you still feel the pain that our kids and families experience?  Yes, I do.  Why do you ask?  I was in a home of one of the kids referred by the police department and probation agency.  Sylvia is 11 years old and has difficulty getting home at night.  Her grandmother loves her, but does not know how to express it.  I believe some of Grandma’s issues are that her daughter is in jail, she’s in her late 60’s raising both her granddaughters ages 4 and 11.
 
I entered their home, sat on the couch and proceeded to interview Sylvia.  It was at this time her younger sister came into the room and stood by me.  It was what happened next that brought me to tears.  This little girl began to sniff my hair and then, gently brushed her hand down the side of my head.  Sylvia said to me, she loves big hair. I found myself in tears when I left their home.
 
What made you cried? I asked.  I think Sylvia’s sister knew I was safe.  Betty, I don’t ever want to be callous to these children and those situations.
 
Those words haunted me, “I think Sylvia’s sister knew I was safe.”  We live in a world where children do not feel safe and secure.  We live in a world where children wonder if their parents will ever come home.  We live in a world, where children are crying out for consistency.  We live in a world in need of a Savior. 
 
Betty, how did you get from a little girl sniffing a staff member’s hair - to a world in need of a Savior?  I believe Jesus would have allowed this little girl to touch his hair.  Just like he allowed the prostitute to wash his feet and children sit on his lap as he told stories.  That’s the God we serve - He goes out of his way to make people feel loved, valued and safe.
 
Thank you for your continued love, financial support and concerned for God’s children.
 
Because of Him,
Betty Alvarez Ham
President
 
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