Our last communication with you as a group was a prayer request for the
folks of Las Mangas because of a shooting here in the village that took the
life of one child and the arm of another. Since then, one family has left
the country, and three men have hid themselves in other places. We thank God
that there has been no further violence, and continue to remember in prayer
the affected families.
Maria lost her son Angel. There was recently an evangelistic campaign up
the road in El Pital, and, somewhat reluctantly, I agreed to go. On my way
up in our green Toyota I happened upon Maria and her children. Following a
sudden idea, I asked, “Do you want to go?” Her face lit up. “Oh yes,” she
said. “I don’t like to be shut up in this house.” Her three children and
two grandchildren caught the excitement immediately. “We’re going to the
campaign!” they shouted, scurrying around for their shoes and “going out”
clothes.
In spite of the rain, everyone seemed to enjoy it. Maria closed her eyes and
sat still as she mouthed the words to the praise choruses. Meanwhile the
children climbed on my lap, shoulders, arms, and legs, munched on chips, and
pressed the Indiglo button on my watch (an incessant fascination for the
younger boys especially). It was a beautiful grace to me that my reluctant
gesture of courtesy -- attending the campaign – became such a joyous
exchange of love. We have all been trying to visit Maria and her family
regularly, and every time we stop by we are greeted by a flurry of hugs and
greetings. The youngest usually says, “Tomás! When are you going to bring
your gallo again?” I tell him that my “rooster” is at the campus, and the
older children and I laugh. (He means carro).
Unfortunately, Maria’s husband has not been much help to her in her grief,
perhaps not knowing how to deal with his own. We are praying for harmony
and comfort for them and their little ones.
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