Justin Knight

When I first met Rudy, his striking features were his spider-like limbs and his overwhelming shyness. He rarely left his niñera’s side, and he certainly never spoke or smiled while I was near. I will never forget the first time I saw him laugh in the arms of Jeff Garner, my pastor and friend. The Rudy that I know today is a stark contrast to that timid child. He is still easily identifiable for his stringy arms and legs, but there is no longer even a hint of his formerly characteristic shyness. Whether he is sneaking up to jump on my back or calling me “loco” in his precious high-pitched voice, I always find a smile on his face.

Rudy has become a walking testimony to me of the power that God’s people have when they show God’s love. Being in a place where the presence of God can clearly be felt has transformed a reclusive and withdrawn skinny kid into a bright and cheerful skinny kid. Rudy will forever occupy a place in my heart, alongside every other child that I have met at La Casa de mi Padre. To be taught a lesson about faith by a child is a joy that everyone should have the privilege of experiencing.