Mateo Won’t Give Up

Included in the mix of our Bible resources are a handful of beautifully illustrated children’s stories based on real-life experiences from LOGOI’s ministry — often involving my dad. One of my favorites is called “Mateo Won’t Give Up.” 

After a long day of teaching and preaching at a LOGOI pastor’s conference in Chile, Dad (the late Dr. Les Thompson) was heading to his hotel and decided to stop for a bite to eat at a local restaurant. While he was sitting at his table waiting for his meal, a group of homeless children showed up begging for food and looking through the restaurant window. Street children can be dangerous and before anyone knew what was going on, the restaurant owner grabbed a broom and chased the children away. 

Begging, homelessness, and street children were nothing new to Rev. Thompson, but because these children were particularly young, the scene that played out was upsetting. Dad said he didn’t know what to do, so as he so often did, he bowed his head to pray for the children. 

When he looked up again, he noticed one of the children had come back. Perhaps he was more brave or perhaps more hungry than the others, but there he stood looking through the window. He was shoeless, dirty, and as he seemed to my dad, determined. The restaurant owner saw him too, and went for his broom. But just as he was about to chase the little boy away, Dad stood up and yelled, “Stop! That little boy is with me.” 

The little boy just stood there, ready to run, as my dad walked out to talk with him. Though he knew the answer, he knelt beside him and asked, “Are you hungry?” The little boy answered cautiously, “Yes.” Dad then tenderly said he had already ordered a meal that was now being specially made just for the little boy and invited the little boy to his table. The restaurant owner was upset, but Dad would have nothing to do with it. He brought the scared and hungry little boy to his table. 

He learned his name was Mateo and that he was an orphan. Soon a big plate of chicken and fries were brought to the table. Dad said he had never seen a little boy's eyes get so big. Mateo just stared at it not sure what was really happening. Finally Dad said, “Go on. This is all for you.” The little boy cautiously reached for the fries, grabbed a handful and shoved them in his mouth. When Mateo realized he was safe, he dug into the food, hardly giving himself a chance to swallow. (Dad explained later he immediately formulated a plan to get Mateo some shoes and clothes and more food before the evening was over.) 

But then, while he was devouring his plate of food, Mateo stopped. He wouldn’t eat anymore. Dad looked at him and gently told him to keep going and that he wanted to order more food. But Mateo wouldn’t eat any more. Then the little boy asked, “Would it be okay if I took the rest away?” Dad answered, “Yes, of course, but you’re not finished. Keep eating, I will order more.” Mateo, however, was wrapping the remaining chicken and fries into a napkin. 

“What’s wrong, Mateo,” Dad asked, thinking maybe his hungry little stomach was getting upset with the food. Mateo looked up and quietly said, “It’s for my little sister. She hasn’t had anything to eat for a long time.” Big tears welled up in Dad’s eyes as he realized such a little boy was having to care for an even younger sister. 

Dad told Mateo he was going to get more food and went to talk with the waiter. In that instant, however, Mateo grabbed the napkin with the food and ran out of the restaurant— apparently not wanting his little sister to wait a moment longer before having something to eat. The story ends with my tearful father praying for Mateo, his little sister, and for God’s grace, protection, and love for those street children. 

It’s close to Father’s Day as I write this letter to you I find myself also praying for Mateo, his little sister, and those street children. What a blessing that I grew up with a loving father and family where I always had meals and shoes and clothes that fit. What a blessing that I was able to do the same for my children. My blessings are beyond measure… perhaps it’s the same for you. 

I’m also reminded that LOGOI’s ministry is so much more than just helping pastors and leaders learn Bible doctrine and disciple making. The real purpose is to take all that Bible learning and put it into practice in their families, churches, neighborhoods and communities. As my dad used to say, “That’s why we will never be embarrassed or hesitate to ask you to partner with us in ministry. It will be some of the best money you will ever invest.” 

Thank you for your faithful partnership with us at LOGOI. We thank the Lord for you! And perhaps, in God’s amazing grace, one day we’ll even get to meet Mateo and his little sister. 

Forever,

Ed Thompson

President

P.S. Happy Father’s Day! And if you’d like a digital copy of “Mateo Won’t Give Up,” simply email us. We’d love for you to have a copy as our thanks for your prayers and partnership.

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Mateo Won’t Give Up

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