Recently the Pan de Vida Youth Group, The Levi, did an outreach following a conference about Compassion. Guest Pastor, Miguel Carrozco, came to Pan de Vida and talked to the youth about showing compassion in times of suffering. Discussing how Jesus, in the midst of his own suffering on the cross, was still very compassionate to others. Therefore, we too, in our own suffering can care for others who hurt thus taking the focus off ourselves and pouring in onto others. He went on to explain 5 stages people go through when suffering, which are denial, anger, negotiation, sadness/depression and acceptance. Then he discussed consolation during these times. The youth were very impacted by the conference and testimonies he shared during it.
That weekend the youth followed up by doing an outreach to a local emergency room to show compassion on those hurting physically and emotionally. A flyer was prepared based on the information from the conference to share the message of God's plan and hope for people in the midst of their suffering. They distributed these along with sandwiches, pastries and coffee to those in the waiting room.
The on-site police and staff were very receptive to the youth group and curious to details of the mission and Pan de Vida Orphanage. The youth also gathered prayer requests as they visited with the people. Later the team gathered outside and divided into groups and prayed for all the requests and people in the emergency room. Several shared testimonies on how grateful the people were and expressing blessings for their service. Our prayer is that the people will understand God's message of salvation through the care he sent them during this time.
2 Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
