I want to say Happy New Year!!, but realizing that it is already March, it’s a little too late. Where does the time go? We ended 2025 with 3 outreaches in December to the underserved children in Wimauma, FL and began the new year running with trainings, family services, and continued ministry in our mission field – Wimauma, FL.
As we searched our hearts for a Word for this year, the word PRESENCE resonated with us. First, we long to spend more time in His Presence, thus enabling us to have a more genuine and loving Presence with His children. BEING OVER DOING Presence is the concept of being actively, intentionally, and lovingly present with others. It’s about showing up! Being present, is a powerful, consistent act of love that builds trust, establishes stability, and mirrors God’s faithfulness to children, many of whom may lack consistent, nurturing relationships. Showing up acts as an anchor, allowing the gospel message to take root in their lives. By being there, you honor Jesus’ call to love and value His children. They need to know they are created by God, loved by God, known by God and they matter! This is a message ALL need to hear. Being truly present is an intentional act of offering your full, undivided attention and authentic self to others, serving as a powerful, often wordless, conduit for God’s love.
Ministry is relationship. Show up. Slow down. Be attentive.
The story of Jesus blessing the children is one of our favorites! Jesus was “indignant” when his disciples hindered the children, showing that he finds time for the vulnerable and rejects the mindset that some people are too unimportant or too small for his attention. The story highlights the profound impact of being fully present, as Jesus did not just offer a passing blessing, but took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them, and blessed them.
Just as Jesus took time for the children amid his busy ministry, we are called to be present, offering our “true, full, deepest self” to others rather than just physical presence. When we are present with others—especially children—we are reflecting the heart of God. His welcome is a welcome to those who lack what the world considers premium. His welcome is a welcome of needs, of smallness, of those who don’t know how to feed themselves or tie their shoes or wipe their noses. He wants you to come like a kid, like a little kid who might need carrying.
“And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them”
Jesus, who lived among people, loved, and listened, bringing God’s presence into everyday spaces. He was intentional, personal and compassionate. He took time to hold, bless and prioritize children. This is what we desire to do – being fully available with heart, mind, and soul to God and His children.
We have been made more aware of this by working with the underserved community in Wimauma. It has been a 2-year process of actively engaging these children and families and we are now finally seeing that we are gaining their trust. What joy it brings to show up and see the children come running. We never want to be so busy with “our program” that we don’t stop to “play” and engage with them.
For our Christmas outreaches, we required the parents to attend. Every child received a toy, Adidas hoodie, candy, and a Fire Bible.
Our Florida January was COLD, so the kids were excited to wear their hoodies. BRAND NEW- NEVER WORN
Most importantly though, children and parents gave their hearts to Jesus after we presented the message of a Savior who loves them so much. We have fallen in love with this community and want to take the time to be truly ….. PRESENT…… BECAUSE We know, “people don’t care what you know until they know how much you care,” and being present is the primary way to show that care.
Much love,
Aldin and Debbie
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