The recent movie Blue Miracle by Netflix is an inspiring story of faith, perseverance, hope, and love. The movie takes some creative liberties in retelling the story of a group of orphans who had never fished before, winning a lucrative finishing tournament in 2014. According to the story, during that time, Casa Hogar, an orphanage that helps provide shelter, food, and educational opportunities to underprivileged boys in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, was under dire financial hardship. Deeply in debt and with problems continuing to surmount, Omar Venegas, aka “Papa Omar,” was desperately trying to find a way to keep the orphanage open.
That year, the Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament was held in the city of Cabo San Lucas in Mexico just five weeks after a hurricane wreaked havoc on the region. Promoters of the Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund, wanting to keep the tournament. In response to the storm’s destruction, Bisbee’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund, a Dallas-based nonprofit committed to protecting wildlife, helped ensure the tournament’s success through its Cabo Relief Fund to help Cabo San Lucas’ impoverished communities. Funding came from an anonymous donor who pledged to pay the $5,000 entry fee for any team that agreed to hire a local boat. This extraordinary opportunity was just what “Papa Omar” and Casa Hogar needed. On a wing and a prayer, they entered the competition.
One interesting fact not included in the movie was that shortly after he found out they would be in the tournament, Venegas was injured in a severe car accident. In response to the accident, Vengeas said, “God made sure I was in the tournament. Things happen on God’s plan. God always gives his blessings wholly. He never gives just half.” Despite all the potential setbacks, Team Casa Hogar managed to win $258,325 in prize money for snagging a 385-pound marlin, even though the orphans had never fished a day in their life. They ecstatically ended up using the money to remodel the facilities and added a girls’ program.
In an interview with Netflix for the film’s press, Venegas said he hopes that the movie version of these events will help raise awareness for the real Casa Hogar. “I want everyone to have the opportunity to see Casa Hogar and how God is doing his work,” Venegas said. What I love most about this story is how God rewards obedience and faith when we put our trust in Him. Venegas, the boys, and the orphanage endured many hardships, but they expected great things, knowing God was with them all the way.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Hebrews 11:6.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Pray:
Pray and ask for God for greater faith knowing he is always on your side.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Today meditate on the great things God has already done for you. What will you do to remain steadfast in your faith?
Share / Show:
Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.
