A few months after opening our community kitchen, we finally felt like we had established a routine with a group of local mamas and women who committed to serve. Daily we were not only seeing the joy on their faces as they served but also saw the confidence in who they were as their life was serving a greater purpose. In addition to the women, the children were thriving. Eating meals, some their only meal for the week, but more than that, there was a new awakening happening among these communities. Their hearts were coming to life.
One morning when we arrived to our base, we were anticipating the arrival of the children and women, but instead we received a big surprise. After hours of waiting, not a single person came. No food was served, no games played, the laughter was missing from the building.
Where could they be?
It was then that we found out that a local father who was also the local priest was threatening those in attendance.
My initial thought was, who could oppose malnourished children being fed? Who would say that if you go you are doing harm to the community? Was he opposed to love and truth? I was angry. And was ready to fight. MARKED was here to stay and would not give up this easily.
I called our founders, and was not expecting their reactions. In my response out of anger and fear, not seeing the miracle at hand, Jaclyn smiled and simply said to me, “ this is exciting to hear.” “How is this a good thing? We have no one in our dining room!” I asked. “Because we have the opportunity to love without limits. There is no fear or control in love.” Immediately I felt peace, and saw an image of Jesus. Truth and love would set them free, it was another opportunity to show them the real Jesus. For the first time in days, my heart too was filled with peace. Love conquers all.
2 weeks later, our dining room was full again. They had all decided to come back, because they knew they felt something different. They said they couldn’t miss out on all that was taking place. That they too wanted to be apart. There was something special when they walked through those doors.
What they felt was Jesus. They experienced true love.
Today, when trials come, I am reminded once again that love conquers all. Love wins. Every single time.
-Carlos