What I love about our work at International Samaritan is how often I see and feel the presence of God in what we do.
Recently, I had the unique privilege of sitting in on the conversations that our scholarship students in Guatemala were having with a woman who has been generously supporting our mission in Guatemala for the entire 25 years since our inception. The investments of this woman and her family have enabled hundreds of young people to escape a life working in the dumps by learning a trade or getting a degree. She has visited them in Guatemala every year, remembers them by name and knows their stories. Watching their conversations, I felt like I was on the set of The Avengers, each of these young people a superhero in their own battle to overcome the worst of poverty, and she was a genteel Nick Fury in the background, helping them find their power. They knew what she has done for them though, and their bonds of gratitude to her were as strong as her bonds of love were for them.
One of the final scholars to speak was Rudy, who is taking classes to become a mechanic while also earning his high school equivalency degree. This, after years of working in the dumps. When he walked in the room, he grabbed a guitar from the corner, sat down, and asked if he could sing a song. Without pausing, he started to play and sing in Spanish, “This is Amazing Grace”, as the only way he knew to express his gratitude for the support he has received.
Rudy, his benefactors and I live thousands of miles apart. We speak different languages. We face very different realities each day. But we are one in the body of Christ, and to be in the room that day was to feel the presence of God. The gifts you have shared with International Samaritan made moments like this happen for 355 young people on scholarships last year, and I’m confident there are moments in your work, school or life where you see this too. If you have a moment, please write me and share your experience. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Rudy pictured left with Angelica Cancinos, singing “This is Amazing Grace”.
Four Words that Change the World
By Mike Tenbusch | March 25, 2022 Over the last year, I have seen a profound difference get made in the world when somebody says four simple words in earnest. I shouldn’t be surprised by the impact, because these four words gave rise to International Samaritan 27...
A New Life for A Graduate
By Mike Tenbusch | February 25, 2022 When we started our strategic planning process in 2019, one of the five-year goals we set was to give our scholars the spiritual training and leadership development they need to become leaders in their communities. I’m writing...
How The 5K Saved My Life
By Mike Tenbusch | February 4, 2022 Last summer, we asked you and everyone else we know across the world to run with us in the Great IntSam Global 5K to give food to 1,000 families battling to survive the undulating challenges of this pandemic. As it turns out, one of...