On a recent trip through Colorado and New Mexico an urbanite and his family observed an unusual phenomenon: miles of undeveloped land! A rare sight for city dwellers.
Many Americans may find it hard to imagine any people still living in desolate areas. Jesus has said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke19:10).
At the top of remote Central American mountains are several small villages. Some of the poorest people in the world live there, were born there, and will likely die on those mountains. Many Americans might think, “Yuck! Who’d want to go there?” Answer: Someone with the heart of Jesus!
Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come” ( Mark1: 38.
Once every month for the past three years, a Central American family loads several large plastic bags with essentials to distribute among at least five mountain-top villages. Clothing, food, teaching materials, and Bibles fill those large bags.
Granted, going to remote mountain-top villages, with sparse numbers of residents, is very challenging. It isn’t for everyone, certainly not for the weak or faint of heart.
Because they are living so far “off the grid” there are no roads to the villages. There are no convenience stores along the way. If dangers threaten, or injuries occur, there are no policemen or doctors to come to the rescue. Where would you go for Jesus?
With their five young children to assist them, Omar and Aryssa Gil leave their home in El Valle, Panama, 80 miles west of Panama City, to ford cold mountain rivers and trek rugged terrain on their upward climb. After boarding three different bus lines, the Gils hire a four-wheel-drive truck and head into the mountain jungle. This family on a mission can only go so far before the trail narrows and becomes impassable. Then they must all hike up the mountains another few hours, still toting their blessings for the villagers.
Upon arrival,the Gils distribute the bags of food, clothing, etc. The family will teach the people about the love of their Savior, Jesus, and help the villagers harvest rice and pick coffee beans before returning home.
Please close your eyes. Imagine that you have never, not even once, heard about Jesus. How would that loss affect your life today?
Where would you go for Jesus?