A Sister’s Love
by Carla Garcia, Kids Ministry Director
I was the oldest sister in my family growing up, which meant having a lot of responsibility over my two younger brothers. My parents both worked two jobs and being an immigrant family meant there was always a financial goal to be working on. My parents were around before going to work early in the morning and then arrived back home late at night. This meant I was responsible for my brothers during the daytime.
When school was in session, my workload was cut in half since I’d only be in charge of my brothers during the evening. I would make them meals, make sure they did their homework, and walk them to and from school. For the majority of my childhood and adolescence, it felt like I was a third parent in my household. Due to this familial dynamic, my brothers and I grew very close. Till this day they share their worries and struggles with me, are elated to celebrate their victories with me, and count on me for support and guidance in their adult lives.
My family was not religious growing up, in fact, we only went to church for special occasions, and maybe only prayed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. My childhood was one that was full of turmoil and lacked hope. My life changed forever as a young adult when I met Jesus, it was like a light had been turned on in my life. Since that moment, I have a renewed sense of hope – A hope that is so big and so strong that no matter what comes my way, I know I will be standing firmly on solid ground. After this key moment in my life, I would pray from time to time for my family to have this same experience.
Recently, my baby brother began working with me at Mission Adelante. It has been so rewarding and fulfilling to see him step up as a leader and begin learning skills that will help him in the future. He is great with the kids, has invested so much time and care into his relationship with them, and has brought so many new fun ideas to our ministry team. Many times, I find myself pondering and treasuring these things in my heart like Mary in Luke 2:19.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19 NIV
My heart was so full the first time I heard my baby brother pray at our staff huddle. Like Mary, I knew it was nothing that I had done - it was the Lord, who had a plan for my brother, all along, and the time had arrived for me to bear witness. I continue to pray for the rest of my family to encounter Jesus in a way that is so powerful, so tangible, so clear. But for now I watch Erick closely, relishing in his new found hope and admiring all that the Lord is doing in him and through him.
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