It's interesting how God works things out, sometimes, the people He brings across your path. This past little stretch has been that way - some people in real need, not just physically but spiritually.
Summer is always a hard time here in this area. Jobs are scarce, not just with the economy the way it is, but as many people depend on tourism in this area, summer is a slow time. This morning as I was on the way to Guaymas, about 15 minutes from the center, along the highway I came across this young lady also on her way to Guaymas, walking along the highway with her 2 year old daughter. Oddly enough, I had come across her before a couple of months ago at the exact same spot, carrying her daughter, in the heat of the day, making the 5 mile walk to Guaymas cause she didn't even have money to take the bus. Her name is Rosa and she is more or less on her own with her daughter. Her husband has left her alone to care for her child and she has not heard from her family which lives a fair distance away for a long time. Over the course of the past couple of months we've been able to help her out at times with food and had some opportunities to encourage her, share the Lord with her, and pray with her. But it is difficult when there is little if any work and one is looking not only after herself but a two year old as well.
Another crossing of paths has taken place with a young man named Jesus. Wanting to learn English, he has come along with another couple to the English church, San Carlos Community Church faithfully for the past couple of months. He is 15, living in Guaymas, and having recognized me from some of the work we've done in their community, quickly sought me out to see if I would teach him English. So, for the past couple of weeks he's faithfully make the trek out Tuesdays and Fridays to spend some time with me here at the center. Between helping me out with some work here and sitting down in some not-so-official English classes, he's slowly been learning and soaking it in. Last Tuesday when he came over, our conversations took on a different nature as he started sharing some of his past and some of the difficult things that had taken place in his life, many years ago. Our conversations turned towards God's plan for our lives, and the hope and healing that He alone can bring. Jesus hasn't yet committed his life to Lord and through things that have happened in his life is really searching for meaning and understanding. To this point he hasn't turned to the Lord, but pray that he would! Our English lessons have been great opportunities to talk about all kinds of things, but pray specifically that God would touch his life, and that he would see the hope and purpose we have in Jesus!
As you think of them, please pray for both of these people, Rosa and Jesus. You never know what God has in store, but we know that God is not wanting "any of these....should be lost!" Matthew 18:14. Thanks for your continued prayers!
