On Friday, at the clinic in Chuaxan 2, I heard a phrase that I had not yet heard in Guatemala: "Cuando era Cristiana." This means, "when I was a Christian." In fact, I wasn't sure I understood correctly until Areli clarified it for me later. The lady brought in her four-year-old daughter who was severely disabled. She didn't walk or talk. She only drank milk. She couldn't see. I think she had some hearing. The mother explained to us that her husband was now dead. He was killed after being released from jail. She described being severely beaten and raped when she was two months pregnant with her daughter. This was done at the hands of the criminals her husband associated with. She believed this was the reason that her daughter had these disabilities. Areli talk to her more and found out that "when she was a Christian" she had gone to several churches seeking healing for her daughter but she remained in the same condition. We don't know the rest of the story. Had she completely given up on Christianity? Was she now an atheist or did she practice the Mayan religion? Or something else? I appreciated her honesty. And hope that we will see her again in the future. We offered her a referral to the ASELSI physical therapy program where she would receive not just therapy but also some loving support and true Christian witness. We prayed for her and her daughter, gave her our phone number and are waiting for her to contact us.
As I said, I had never had anyone tell me that they were a Christian and were no longer during our 2 1/2 years here. On the contrary, we talk to several people who are professing Christians while their lives say something entirely different. Often times I wonder, due to lack of education and language and cultural barriers, are the basics of the Gospel well communicated? If so, do the people really understand? What is necessary for salvation? I know God ultimately sorts this out and our job is to keep pointing people to the Gospel.
Back to our lady...what turned her off to the church? Was it the false promise of a guaranteed healing for daughter? Was it the blaming of her for daughter's condition? Was it her own feeling of unworthiness? Or something else? I hope we get the answer someday and can help to point this lady True Loving God.
On the same day, we got a report from the church where we do this clinic that one of the patients we had seen a few months back accepted Christ along with her family. Now the family of eight is a part of the church.
A couple of other quick notes:
1. This past week we had a doctor couple come for a visit. They are seeking what God would have for them in the future regarding long-term missions. We really enjoyed their company.
2. Tomorrow we pick up a premed student who will be with us for three weeks and his father will be with us for a week. We're also looking forward to their visit.
3. We'll be leaving for vacation in a few weeks. I'm still waiting to hear if I will be able to work or not.
4. I'm continuing to train for the Big Run for the One. At this point, I only have a few supporters.