House #7

House #7 belongs to Edgar, his wife Blanca, and their three children; one daughter, and two sons Emmerson and Louis. Our interview started out different from most. We first noticed that Edgar and Blanca didn’t look very happy or excited about their new house. It was obvious that they were saddened about something. We asked them what was wrong and they expressed their concern about the placement of their new house. Then they went on to explain the reasoning for this. The community in which Edgar and Blanca live is down a hill from the main street. The small road that leads to their community has 2 white locked gates that are owned by a rich man that lives on the hill. He will be referred to with the alias of John. John is very protective of this road and gets angry when the people of the community use it, as they do not pay for the up keep of the road. Also, he claims it is a private road, when the community claims it is a city road. Whatever the answer is, John has gained control. Even when our Bethany team was going down the hill to go and build, John wouldn’t let us drive past the gate. We got out and walked down the hill. Edgar has tried being friendly with John, but he is repaid with hateful comments and insults. Edgar’s mother, who is also a part of the community, is looking into getting a lawyer to sort out the problem. We asked Edgar why they wouldn’t go to the police and he said that it can be very dangerous. If John heard of this, Edgar and his family would be at risk for violence and even death. Edgar and Blanca are worried about their new house being at the bottom of the hill, because Edgar is a farmer. How will he get all of his crops up the hill to sell when he has no route of transportation?

As we were hearing this story it was very discouraging. We were wondering why we were still building the house and questioning if it was all a big mistake. Then the Holy Spirit suddenly entered the conversation, “I am in charge of this situation, I know what I am doing, you need to trust in Me, I have blessed this house!”  God picked this land, in this community for Edgar and Blanca. We may not understand how God will work now, but God doesn’t make mistakes. This house is His house. Edgar and Blanca 100% agreed and shared with us that they pray for John, that God would soften his heart. What an amazing example of praying for your enemies. The battle is not over for Edgar and Blanca, but they have put their trust in the almighty God, Leader of the winning team!

by Janine Heinrichs and Becky Shantz