Here are some resources to learn more about life in trash dump communities around the world. It’s hard to truly understand the reality of these communities—both emotionally and intellectually. Oftentimes just the number of flies on and around you can be emotionally overwhelming. People didn’t choose to live near a dump; they were forced into it by poverty, lack of opportunities, or they were born and raised there.

Yet, the people here are created in the image of God, just like everyone else, including yourself. The question we need to ask ourselves is this: How am I going to love my neighbor? This question goes beyond feelings of kindness. It challenges us to understand our neighbors’ needs and struggles and to call upon the resources of heaven to love others in actions and truth.

Maybe you will sense a call to work together in Danli, or some other trash dump community. Or maybe you will sense the call to walk across the street to your neighbor. Whatever your call may be, may you walk with your Creator and fulfill His call for you towards others and Him.