By: Julie Nash
“Tell them who your daddy is” – I loved when my dad would say this to me. After all, he was the best dad in the whole world. Growing up, I had no idea that there were children all over the world that did not have great dads.. or any dad at all. One of the many things that I took for granted in my life. To whom much is given, much is required. One thing we see here everyday at Hope of Life, are children growing up without dads, or moms, or sadly both. Or maybe even worse, children who have suffered unthinkable abuse at the hands of their parents. Mark and I are so blessed to be a part of this ministry that is giving fathers to the fatherless.
About two months ago, I drove around the corner at Kelly’s House and saw our Polaris lurching forward. Then I realized it wasn’t Mark driving but it was Ulysis. We met Ulysis on a trip to Guatemala before we moved down here. He is a beautiful example of the healing grace of God. He doesn’t have a dad to daily pour in to him.. and teach him important things like how to drive. So here he was, grinning literally ear to ear, swerving and lurching back and forth but driving. And Mark was calmly sitting beside him, instructing him on what to do next. This precious young man who could not walk when we first met him was now heading down the street in Llano Verde. I will admit, it scared me but I loved seeing the look of accomplishment on Ulysis face as he waved at everyone he drove by. Weekly, he waits for Mark to take him driving. Just like my dad did for me and Marks dad did for him.. and another reason we are here in Guatemala. To carry on a legacy that we don’t want to take for granted. Some people call it leaving a spiritual legacy, I know that’s what my own father did. My mom spent seven weeks with us here this summer and we planted fruit trees for just this reason. To honor the life of my dad because he spent his life investing in others. He saw the potential in us, and in the Ulysis of the world and poured the love of Jesus in to them and in to us. That kind of life is what helps to bring about real change.
If you are interested in planting trees in honor of a parent or loved one, click the link below