Morning

Martín* arrives early to school. Doing so calms the anxiety, which for two years paralyzed him and filled him with frustration that he couldn't understand. In his previous schools, he was bullied and struggled with outbursts when things felt out of control. Many schools told his family they couldn’t meet the needs that came with his severe anxiety. 

"He has never finished the school year at any school,” his mother shares. “He couldn't even finish a full day of school. After an hour or two, he had had enough."

The staff at Mirada de Amor were determined to care for Martín with love. The first year was not easy, but the school kept striving to meet his needs. Today, Martín is about to start his last year of school. He is a very different person from when he first arrived. The progress he has made is extraordinary. He knows that we are here and will not leave, and he knows we will not give up on him or his education.

Afternoon

A large group of young people over 18 arrive happily from Monday to Friday for a full afternoon schedule of activities and learning. Here, everyone finds their place, friends, and purpose. Maria, one of the young adults, fills the room with laughter. Maria is on the autism spectrum, and she spent more than four years at home without any support other than what was offered by her family. Her aunt, knowing about the type of work being done in our ministry, requested that Maria be enrolled in the weekly activities. 

Apart from her purse, Maria always brings a second bag. What she carries inside—a towel, swimsuit, and sunscreen—has meaning to her. Even though she never asks us to take her to the beach, we think it's her way of telling us that each day together with us is like a vacation.

Evening

The afternoon activities end, and it’s time for our local church services. Lucas, a participant in the afternoon program, now also attends church services with his mother. Lucas was diagnosed with an intellectual disability as a child, but it has not impaired his ability to serve. He and his mother were part of the team that traveled to Brazil in 2017 to start a new Mirada de Amor ministry in the Church of the Nazarene there. Lucas is preparing to get baptized this year, and his church family has become like a second home. 

May God help us fulfill our call. 

More than 10 years ago, the leaders of Mirada de Amor set out to create a church for everyone—a church where people of all abilities would come to know God and where they could have their space, place, and ministry. Those who serve there know the journey is not easy. The barrier of prejudice is often significant. Being a church for all involves sharing extraordinary love and serving those who desire to know God.

*Children’s names are changed for protection.