La Morita—An Experience of Authenticity

After an hour long drive full of dodging deep potholes, endless massive speed bumps, cattle, dogs, and well… you name it, you arrive in the dusty village called La Morita.  What’s happening in La Morita? From the outside, not much, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.  The first thing you would notice driving into this tiny village would be the ever rising walls of a Catholic Church.  The pictures above are a progressive look at our FOCUS built church.  This summer we expect that the bell towers and roof will be completed.

What is not described in these pictures is the amazing Church (that is the people of God) that is being built around this building.  This is first time in the history of this village that they have come together as a community to do anything.  Literally everyone in the village has been involved and it is obvious that the Faith is being fortified and thriving.  If there is one thing that consistently moves missionary visitors to La Morita, it is the overwhelming warmth and love that is expressed by the people.  They live very humbly, but they give all they have.  Each day, they cook an equivalent of a Thanksgiving feast for us, sometimes over an open fire.  Out of sincere gratitude, they are overjoyed to serve and share with us what little they have.

To the children of La Morita, we are heroes… and their innocence is an inspiration to our students.  There are no video games, only flat soccer balls, worn to threads.  Even in their shabby condition, they are treasured for the fun they represent.   

This Spring Break, as we finished our last night of the mission, our group delivered bags of food and basic supplies to each of the families of the village as a small token of gratitude.  Tears fell at almost every household. 

What the students left with couldn’t be described in many other terms than spending a week submerged in authenticity... a deep breath of fresh air for the soul.   

             -Jeff Runyan

This year, FOCUS Missions will continue to work with the people of La Morita to build the church over Spring Break and during Summer.