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Hello to all! I know that it has been a while since we have updated the blog. Mike and Danell are just returning to Trujillo after taking a much need sabbatical. They have been working so hard over the last year. I am certain that the trip back to the States (and Canada) gave them a chance to catch up with family and supporters.
As for me, I am just got back from Peru. Mike and Danell have shared countless stories about people they have come in contact with and the amazing way that God is transforming lives. This time it is my turn. I want to tell you about a remarkable person I met.
Her name is Virginia and what a story she has to tell! She is a new heroine of mine. She is 30 years old and is a mother of four. Her husband is a lawyer, but has left her.
Virginia experienced a hard childhood, basically abandoned by her parents. She was a victim of a harsh abuse which I won't detail here. (Not by her husband) Four or 5 years ago she had a stroke and ended up in a wheelchair paralyzed. Her two older children started encouraging her every day, "Come on mama, get up, get up. Come on mama, get up, get up." They were persistent and she was determined. Today you would never know she had been paralyzed to see her walking around; there are no outward symptoms in her face, walk or anything.
Virginia is a giver. Last December before coming in contact with Mara (on our team) she was helping the people in some barrio put together a Christmas party for the children. She liked helping people.
One morning she was in her house and she prayed, "God why am I here. What do you want me to do?" She got up to go someplace, went to the street, hailed a cab, got in and found a flyer Mara had left there about the Women's Village work. She contacted Mara and found the answer to her morning prayer. Amazing! She is now serving as a volunteer helping battered and abused women. She goes door to door in the poor areas talking to women. She also visits the prison to encourage and help women there. She goes to the barrios and meets the leaders of drug gangs and talks to them. They know her and she knows them and she talks to them about the damage they are causing. They sit and listen. She got one to commit to stop selling drugs.
After meeting Mara this past December (less than 2 months ago) she was taken through the Peace Treaty lessons. She accepted Christ and was baptized. She wants to learn how to use the Peace Treaty so she can share Christ with others.
Just amazing!
God is working in her life BUT that is only possible because she desires it and she is living to give to others.
I hope you will be inspired by knowing this little bit about her. What a model she is for all of us.
Oh, she has also started studying law, to become a lawyer so she can help battered women in the legal area.
Thanks Jesus for people like Virginia.
God Bless each of you!
John Hendee
