Today we went back to a barrio and visited with a lady named Maria. One of our 6:8 Staff, Amanda, has a close relationship with her - but we all know her story. Here is the short version.
She lives in one of the poorest, dirtiest neighborhoods in Alajuelita, which is the poorest county in the nation.
Her house has raw sewage that comes up in the kitchen when it rains.
She is a single mom, living with a female partner and a lot of kids.
Her neighbors are related to her. It's her mother, sister and sister's boyfriend.
Plus the boyfriend has a bunch of teen/young adult males that come over a lot.
Her own family has threatened her and her children.
They have locked her in her own house, or told her that if she left, something bad would happen.
Why? Because her sister and sister's boyfriend are drug addicts and dealers. They have not only hurt her, but they have purposefully sought out the defenseless - older people, mothers with children - to rob for money to buy more drugs. They have asked Satan to come. This is serious darkness.
Because of all this, Maria has been having panic attacks. She has started taking an anti-depressant to just get through it. Today when we were praying with her, she was visibly shaking.
On the other hand, Maria's mother has accused her of manipulating us. Her mother is very 'religious' and has a lot of harsh things to say about her own daughter.
What do you think? What do you think we should do to help Maria and her kids? I really want to know.
Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. Deuteronomy 24:17
But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.
Psalm 10:14
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:17
The poor will see and be glad - you who seek God, may your hearts live!
Psalm 69:32
Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.
Proverbs 21:13
I don't have any answers, but know the One who does. I'll be praying with you for wisdom and discernment as you walk through this situation with Maria.
ReplyDeleteSusan M
Wow Heather...tough situation. Like 'Susan M', will be praying for your discernment and wisdom here. Also that God will provide somehow. We'll all keep praying, thanks for posting. Btw, the girl's pics on this page are beautiful.....
ReplyDeleteLynne D