Well, you just never know!
Michael and I had a bit of an extended stay in California after returning from attending our youngest daughter’s graduation. Upon returning from Seattle the “Maldito,” Evil Covid got a hold of the both of us. I believe we had a fairly light case of it but boy did it set us back. We were exhausted and slept a lot for the next week! Needless to say, our return trip to Chiapas was delayed, BUT GOD is still in control and on the throne!
We arrived back on the ranch to discover that our building crew had kind of lost interest once we left the property. They made some mistakes - not grave ones - just some that set our project behind. Our perfectionist architect, Felipe, fired them all and brought on a brand-new team. Martita’s Casita will have the second story floor poured this weekend, and the second story walls will begin immediately thereafter. So, we will soon be back on track! Thank you, Lord!
Now back to, “You Just Never Know!”
Although our vision and mission has been to prepare young women to grow in wisdom and in the things of the Lord and prepared to lead a productive life, we recently came upon an unexpected need. We needed to hire a “balconero;” a welder and a person who works creating or repairing iron works.
One of our greenhouses has been in need of some repair and rehabilitation so we brought in Dariel. Dariel is a man of about 40 years old. We had already seen his excellent work fabricating the wrought iron stair rail for Casita No. 1, so we had confidence in him. He also happens to attend the same church we do here in Las Margaritas.
Dariel has a sweet young family: a lovely wife, and 3 children, including a married son and daughter-in-law who have given them a grandchild. They are all living together, as is quite common here.
We had heard Dariel has had a history of a drinking problem but he has been sober for some time and doing well. Well, half way through the repair of the greenhouse he stopped showing up to work. Our worse fears were confirmed when our ranch manager found him passed out on the sidewalk with an empty liquor bottle in front of him.
Heartbreaking!
This is NOT my area of work, but I wanted us to help in some way. But how? He’s a good man with lots to live for, except when he goes back to drinking.
He came back to our home this week looking frail and shaky. He was so apologetic and confessed to having a drinking problem which has exacerbated his diabetes. He said he hates it and wants to quit. He told us that he knows he needs the help of Jesus. I was able to share some knowledge I have about alcoholism and that it’s not just about quitting. You have to build a support system around you. You have to learn to “hear” what’s going on in your mind that compels you to drink. His type of drinking problem has proven that once he starts drinking, he just crawls into the bottle until it’s gone. So, will-power won’t cure him. Yes, it takes the strength of the Lord and discovering ways to renew your mind, plus some support.
Ironically, we recently “ran across” a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program right here in Las Margaritas. We gave their number to Dariel’s wife to reach out. Meanwhile we are ministering to our brother and asking for your prayers that the Lord will strengthen Dariel and set him free from this tormenting, destructive monster of alcohol.
You just never know how the Lord wants to use you in the freeing ministry of His love!
Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to build, and to improve the land and prepare for our first young ladies to arrive to their safe home. Blessing in Jesus’ name and may His incredible Grace be so evident to you all!