By Kevin Meadows

As our “brigade” prepared to leave the Rosibel Katin Primary School in Los Jovitos, Nicaragua, teachers and children gathered in the humble courtyard to bid us a fond farewell. They unfurled a written message thanking us for our recent visit and ongoing partnership. The message, both beautifully written and boisterously spoken, grabbed our hearts,  

“Thank you for choosing us!”  

With laughter, tears, and hug after hug, we promised, “Hasta el año que viene.” Leaving, our van was quiet, and I asked one of my church members how she was doing. She responded, “I’m having chest pains.” Not what any pastor wants to hear! She continued, “I left a piece of my heart with those kids.” As I often say to my church family, “When you see it, hear it, smell it, taste it, and touch it,” it changes you.

Three years ago, I visited Los Jovitos as a part of a vision team of Virginia pastors, BGAV leadership, and Food for the Hungry (FH) staff. On that trip, visiting Los Jovitos for the first time, I felt as if this remote community chose us. Returning to Roanoke, I shared the experience with my congregation and after prayer, discernment, and excitement, Grandin Court Baptist Church quickly initiated our community partnership and child sponsorship with FH. Each of the last two summers, teams have returned to listen to community leaders, dream and pray with them, develop goals and priorities, and of course, spend time with our beautiful school friends.  

This partnership has provided a rich experience for our entire congregation—for those who travel, those who give, those who sponsor children, and those who pray. Our experience is a testament to the power of the collective efforts of the people of Los Jovitos, FH, and BGAV.  

If you are curious about getting involved or want more information, I encourage you to reach out to BGAV partnership missions, explore the FH website, or contact a partnering church. Thank you, God, for choosing us!

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Kevin Blane Meadows is senior pastor of Grandin Court Baptist Church in Roanoke, VA, a BGAV-participating congregation.

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