As wonderful as it is to serve God and be involved in the Serving At Risk Families (SARF) ministry all things in life have times of sadness. We experienced one of those times last week as we received news that the mother of one of the families we serve succumbed to her chronic kidney disease and passed away.
When I think back to our first meeting with this family, I am completely humbled to see what God has done. We met them in February of 2011 on our first trip to Guatemala. We went out to buy some groceries for the family because at the time the mother, Modesta, was in the hospital. The children were left at home alone to care for themselves and there was no money for food. When we visited with them that day the oldest brother was there and through conversation he shared with us that he was the only one in his family who was a Christian. It was amazing to see the looks on their faces when the translator, Vivian, explained that this food was not a gift from us but a gift from God because He loves them and will provide for their needs.
We had the opportunity to visit with them again in September when we went back to Guatemala! What an amazing change. The children were ALL going to school regularly. Modesta, was getting regular kidney dialysis and was able to be home with her children. She even kept telling us how it was such a blessing from God to have people coming along side her and her family to serve them. We prayed together on that trip and Modesta said a beautiful prayer to our Heavenly Father thanking Him for His provisions and love. This love was shown to her and her family in tangible ways by EVERYONE involved with the Serving At Risk Families (SARF) ministry. Whether it was the missionaries working with the family personally in Guatemala or those of you here in the U.S. who gave your prayers, time, and financial gifts to this cause, EVERYONE played a part in showing the love of Christ to this family.
While this has been a sad time, God has allowed us to look through this sadness and see Him at work. We rest assured in the knowledge that Modesta is at peace and we will see her again when we all are united with Jesus! We saw His provisions as a volunteer from Servants stepped up to pay for Modesta’s funeral/burial expenses. We also witnessed His love and protection of the younger children as He moved the heart of the oldest brother to move home and care for his siblings.
I, along with other members of the SARF ministry, look forward to visiting with and serving this family in whatever way God allows us when we head to Guatemala next week.
Please continue to pray for God to provide healing, comfort, and provisions during this time of grief and transition.
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