The Road to Relationship & Redemption (Part 2)

 Read Part 1 of this story before reading this blog.

   I went the next day to play cards with Jasmina and some of the younger kids living in this house. We talked and played all afternoon. As I was leaving one of the boys asked if he could keep using my cards and that he would take responsibility for them. So, I left my cards there with a promise to come and play the next day. I went to play again the next day. And the next. And the next…
  
   Soon I was visiting the family almost every day. I began to build relationships with the adults as well as the youth. Every time I pass by, I stop and visit with the family. It has become one of my favorite ministries. I am really asking the Lord to allow me to build relationships with the women in this home. I am praying that through these relationships they will begin to encounter the love of God and He will bring redemption and transformation to this home. I would love you to meet some of the women that are capturing my heart (this definitely is not everyone living in this house, but the ones with whom I have spent most of my time).

   Jasmina is seventeen years old. She has only attended school through 5th grade (although she has told me that she will be returning to school when the new year starts in February).
   She is such a sweet girl, but is caught up in a lot of sexual sin. I am praying that she will encounter the Lord and find her identity in Him. I would love to see her walking in the purity that can only come from being completely secure in the Father’s love.
   She has yet to really open up about real things in her life, but I can tell that she is starting to feel comfortable with me. One afternoon she came to a luncheon with several of the girls from the youth group. Jasmina sought me out to sit and talk with me. I really love building a friendship with her.
  
   Jessica is 30 years old. She has two teenage children who live with their father. She seems to have very little interaction with them. I had been coming to the house for nearly a week and realized that I still didn’t know Jessica’s name. I have never heard anyone call her by her name. I have only heard her called “La Gorda” which means the fat one. I have been pouring out God’s love and acceptance upon her. I have enjoyed spending time hanging out with her, straightening her hair, talking to her about her family and why I am waiting for a good husband that loves the Lord and me before having children. I am praying that she will come to know her value and acceptance as the beautiful bride of Christ. 

   Gema is a 16 year old who just gave birth to her first baby, a little girl named Junieth. Gema is so young to be a momma, but seems to really love her little girl. When I first started coming to the house every day, Gema was in the hospital delivering Junieth and then recovering from some minor complications. Everyday I would ask how she was doing, when she would be home, and let the family know I was praying for her. One day I walked by the with World Racers and Rosa on our way to visit and pray in homes. The family started yelling to tell me that Gema was home with the baby. They brought me in to the house to meet and hold precious little Junieth. I asked Gema if we could pray over her and the baby. I held Junieth as the Racers gathered around and we all prayed for this sweet baby on her first day at home. I have just fallen in love with this sweet baby girl!! She is just incredibly precious!! Each time I come over to the house I go to see Gema and baby Junieth. As soon as I arrive Gema always hands me Junieth so that I can hold her. I will sit for such a long time just cradling this little girl in my arms and praying over her life. I am praying that she will come to know the Lord at a young age and can walk with Him throughout her life. I believe that the Lord is giving me an amazing opportunity to pour into the life of this beautiful little girl.

   The Lord is strengthening my relationship with this family every day through Nicaraguan card games, hanging out and chatting in front of their home, taking a day to go swimming with the whole family (pictured left- Jessica, the boys, and I getting ready for our swimming trip), holding the precious little babies, spending time and playing with the little boys, and being a part of their family celebrations and birthday parties. I thank Jesus for opening these doors to relationship. Pray with me for opportunities to share the Gospel and for redemption to come to this family. Stay tuned for a continuation of this story once the Lord moves in His grace and power- I know that He will!