Arecibo in Da' Moonlight: When Reality Hit in Puerto Rico

Arecibo in Da' Moonlight: When Reality Hit in Puerto Rico

The humid Puerto Rican air hung heavy around us, a stark contrast to the crisp Michigan breezes we were used to. It wasn't long after the last box was unpacked and the unfamiliar sounds of our new neighborhood settled in that the sheer audacity of what we had done truly hit me. We were here. Officially moved in. Our home was no longer in Hamilton, Michigan, but on this vibrant, Spanish-speaking island.

A wave of reality washed over me, bringing with it a potent cocktail of excitement and sheer terror. We spoke virtually no Spanish. Our connections could be counted on one hand, with fingers to spare. We had never stepped into ministry in this capacity before. And to top it all off, our bank account was… well, let's just say lean.

I vividly remember one particular evening, the weight of it all pressing down. Our driveway, a slight incline offering an unobstructed view of the vast night sky, became my sanctuary of uncertainty. It was around 2:00 AM, the moon colossal in the clear darkness above. Lying flat on the cool concrete, staring into the infinite, I whispered into the silence, "God, if this is not you, this is the dumbest thing I have ever done." I was a mess, a tangled knot of hope and uncertainty.

But God, in His infinite grace and timing, moved swiftly to reassure a wavering heart. He began to show us, in undeniable

ways, that this leap of faith was indeed His leading.

One of the earliest and most profound confirmations came through a small house church that was beginning to take root. As we connected with the people, we began to see the deep-seated desires within the hearts of Armando's family. They shared a long-held dream: to prepare meals for the homeless in their community and offer them with love. They had approached their church, others they knew, but the desire had never gained traction. It remained a quiet longing, unfulfilled.

Then, we looked at them and, without hesitation, said, "Let's do it."

The shock on their faces was palpable. Perhaps they had grown accustomed to the polite nods and unspoken dismissals. But we were new, perhaps a little naive, and fueled by a desire to simply do.

That very weekend, a beautiful partnership was born. We pooled our meager resources, buying the staples of a traditional Puerto Rican meal:  rice, beans, pork, and of course, Coke. Armando's family contributed the necessary supplies. Our small house became a hub of activity, the aroma of home-cooked food filling the air as we worked together, a blend of two cultures united by a shared purpose.

Together, we prepared over sixty meals, carefully packing them into the trunk of Armando's car. Then, with Armando, a local police officer, leading the way with his intimate knowledge of the streets, we set out. That night, we weren't just handing out food; we were offering dignity, a moment of connection, and the unwavering hope of the gospel. We prayed over people, shared words of encouragement, and witnessed

firsthand the reason we had felt called to this island.

It was amazing. This simple act of service became a powerful thread, drawing our families closer, bridging the cultural and language gaps in a way we couldn't have imagined. This food ministry became a cornerstone of our early days in Puerto Rico, a tangible expression of God's love in action. For nearly a year, we continued this work, our hearts overflowing with the joy of seeing lives touched and needs met.

Eventually, as the seasons changed, the Lord began to gently steer us in other directions. But the lessons learned, the bonds forged, and the memory of those moonlit nights and the shared purpose of feeding hungry souls remain etched in our hearts. It was in those early, uncertain days, with no money and a language barrier, that we discovered the profound truth: when God calls, He equips, often in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. And sometimes, the "dumbest thing" you ever do turns out to be the most divinely inspired adventure of your life.

To learn more about our ministry go to www.theexchangemin.com