May - June 2012

Maria Luisa, Adela and Francisca

Maria Luisa has been having strong pains in her arms and legs. The results the doctor came up with were symptoms of rheumatic fever. We had asked that you join us in prayer for her healing. I am happy to report that, with the exception of two or three times, she has not had pain. She has changed and transformed into a happy and mischievous young lady (especially mischievous). I believe it is because she feels so much better. I thank you for all your prayers. Prayer changes things and God has heard you.

Francisca is 16 years old. She was sharing with me how her dad, who is now a new convert, used to harvest poppy flowers, which is used to obtain cocaine. She would tell me about how her whole family – father, mother, brothers and sisters – would go out to the field to collect the “rubber” that comes from the flower (which is cocaine’s main raw material). “My father would tell us that we would have to be very careful when we collected from the flowers. We could not waste anything because it is worth so much money. We were very cautious. The field was hidden so that the soldiers and police would not find the crop or find us. I remember one day that we didn’t have any food in the house. My mother was very desperate and she finally took some of that stuff and took it to the local store. It was at night and it was dark. The man from the store gave my mother groceries and money. I understood then that whatever that ‘thing’ was, it was like having money; a lot of money.” I asked her who else did this and she replied saying, “everyone does.” When I asked her if her family still did this, she said, “No, we no longer do that. Ever since we have been in the Way, my father has not planted anymore of those flowers.”

I know the Gospel changes lives and I pray that these young girls will turn their heart over to Jesus and may we influence them day-by-day. Thank you for being a part of this. Thank you for your support.