House #7

At house #7, we met a mother and her son (Adilia and Anderson). Adilia was born in San Salvador. At the age of 3, her parents divorced and Adilia's mother moved with her children to San Pedro.

Adilia has 5 children, 4 of whom are married and live in San Pedro. Anderson is the youngest at 6 years old and has a different father than the other children. Adilia never married, however, the father of her first 4 children left El Salvador to go to the United States so that he could work and make a better life for his family. Unfortunately, he met another woman in the States, abandoned his family in El Salvador, and has not been heard from in over 22 years.

When Adilia became pregnant with Anderson, she went to San Salvador to try and find work. She was unsuccessful and returned to San Pedro. At that time, Anderson's father also left and has not been heard from since.

Adilia was asked what the most joyous things in her life are, and she responded immediately that her greatest joys were accepting Christ as her Saviour 7 years ago and receiving a new house. We found it very strange that she did not mention her children as being among her greatest joys. While this may have been an oversight due to the excitement of the day, it was curious nonetheless.

Adilia was asked how her life has changed since accepting Jesus as her Saviour. She said that her life has changed for the good and she now prays continually. She was quick to add that she has been praying for a house for quite some time. She went to say that she came to Christ as the result of a serious illness that almost took her life. She continues to struggle with the illness and is asking God for healing.

Our conversation turned to Anderson as we wanted to know more about this little boy who sat quietly and listened to our conversation. Anderson is in grade 1 and has a love for math. During his spare time, he plays soccer. When we asked what else he likes to do, his response was "nothing, just soccer." It gave us great joy at the key giving ceremony to present Anderson with a new soccer ball. His eyes lit up when he saw it and we were able to break away from the ceremony for a few minutes to kick the ball around with him. He guarded that ball like it was gold – the truth is, that to him, it was worth more than gold. This was a special moment. Anderson told us that when he grows up, he wants to be a fireman.

Adilia was asked about her dreams for the future. Her response was to get to know God better and to have a greater knowledge of the bible. She indicated that she would like to be a missionary. As we spoke, we suggested that she can be an effective missionary within her own community and make an impact for God right where she lives.

As we continued to talk with Adilia, she was told that she was a very special person and that we were blessed to spend time with her. She began to cry and appeared overwhelmed by this statement as if she had never been told or considered that she could be a blessing to someone else. We asked her how we could pray for her and her family. She indicated that her disease is getting worse and she needs healing. She also asked for prayer for one of her sons who drinks excessively and for 2 family members who are not Christians.

In the midst of all that Adilia is dealing with in this poverty-stricken country, her prayers are very similar to the prayers of many that we come in contact with every day. This is a reminder to us that we are the same as people with similar struggles, needs and heartaches. It doesn't matter where we live. It doesn't matter what our income levels are. God is as present in the lives of these dear people as He is in our lives.

As we neared the end of our interview, we learned something very special. You see, this same day that Adilia was receiving a new house was also her 42nd birthday. We gathered around her and sang happy birthday to her. What a birthday present for her from God!

Please pray for Adilia as she sees the hand of God moving in her life. Let's reflect on the many blessings that God has provided to us and let's pour ourselves into those who are less fortunate than we are. God created us to serve Him and to be a blessing to others. Please keep Adilia and Anderson in your prayers as God continues to surround them with His love.

by Dave Morris & Del Arseneau