Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:11-13
I want to share with you the wonderful things that God is doing in general, in the community, the people and the neighborhood.
Currently, there are three active gangs around us. It is really sad to see that. One innocent man died when he came back from work, and also a lady that was a drug dealer was murdered by them. The interesting is that the Christian community is praying intensively: that includes several churches in the neighborhood and outside of it.
Last Saturday, we had the Parenting School, at our facilities. The parents ran to get there safe and on time, because of the gangs that are armed, and where in the block. It is awesome to see the respect that they showed for us, since themselves asked us to get inside the building. That day, we had the visit of our brother, former gang member Ignacio Sanchez with his wife and kids. Also with him, we had Juan Carlos Molina, a psychologist. Both of them work at the prisons, directly with active or former gang members, so they have a lot of experience in that matter. The people that attended, where very enthusiastic, not only for what they can see that God did in Ignacio’s life, but also for the Word that has been preached to them, which has the power of bringing hope, direction and correction to their lives.
A few months ago, God spoke to my heart, telling me that I needed to move beyond, and reach more of the neighborhood and the territory. In that side of the community, there is a gang that doesn’t know me, and they are constantly watching out, so nobody from outside can get there. I was looking for an opportunity to get there. -There is a young man, 23 years old, who is the one that started the battle, trying to extortionate the little grocery stores in the houses of la Limonada, and the other two gangs, are defending “their territory”.- So, that was my excuse to go to “the other side”. With tremble and fear, but with conviction, we sent a letter first, and then went to look for him. Praised God! We have visited him 3 times, and every time he has being receptive to hear us. On one of those visits, 3 persons from the US came with me (knowing the danger that it implies), and he has agreed when we asked him if we could to pray for him.
Also, when his gang members see me going there, they escort the entrance, to take care of him. Once, there where like 20 of them outside of the house, so we took the chance and talked them about God. It is awesome how receptive they are. That makes me feel more responsible about them. Wow… Please, pray for them. They need the miracle of God’s salvation to be capable of leaving the situation where they are. 5 young men from a gang accepted Jesus Christ in their hearts. Some of the opposite gang did it as well. One of them was claiming for God’s help, lying on the floor. Seeing that is like a having glance of heaven on earth.
In my heart, there are experiences that don’t let me be the same person anymore… I get to feel their pain and confusion. Feeling Jesus’ passion for them: Knowing the importance of His death and resurrection in the sinner’s life. I am so grateful for the 213 children and teenagers at the school, who are getting the best attention and better opportunities for life. It is wonderful to see God acting and feeling Him in every beat of my heart for those lives.
Veronica, one of our teachers, recently had her little baby girl. Her name is “Debora”, and she is just gorgeous! Also, please pray for another teacher: Mayra, and his husband Edwin. Their house is about to collapse because of the rainy season.
I love you all, and I pray that God bless you. Thanks for all your prayers!
-Tita.