Yoliztli & Santiago’s Need for Shoes
This past week Dawn and I had a wonderful time talking to some of our friends on the Big Island, *Yoliztli and *Santiago (names changed for security). They are such beautiful people, that it always encourages us to talk to them. Yet there is the pain as we listen to their plight. Life is so hard, and we always feel like, we wish we could do even more for them than we are already doing.
Yoliztli and Santiago told us that Santiago’s shoes had holes in them and he had problems with his feet, because he works with cement. The dust and cement get on his feet, and this causes pain and discomfort for him. He has to walk a long distance to get to work, which makes it even more uncomfortable for him. Even though we sent them some extra funds for food they said they still are having to skip some meals so that there is enough for their children to eat.
They haven’t able to buy some boots for Santiago’s work, because they cost $15 USD, which is a lot of money for them. If they buy the boots then they won’t have enough money to buy food to eat. They also mentioned that Santiago didn’t have any socks. Yoliztli and Santiago feel embarrassed to tell us about their needs. They are grateful for what we are doing for them, and they don’t want to burden us with more. Dawn and I assure them that it’s okay. We want to know how they are doing, and how we can help.
We feel like it’s a privilege to be able to send aid to our familia. Yet, it’s so frustrating, that they have to struggle daily with things we don’t consider in the USA. Most of us don’t have to choose whether we are going to eat or buy shoes and socks.
Yoliztli told us that she was so thankful for all that we’ve done for them, and how we have encouraged them through our messages. I send daily encouraging devotional messages to them. She shared her gratefulness through her tears.
They feel embarrassed to ask us to send more help, even though they desperately need it. We asked them to send us a picture of Santiago’s shoes, so we could see what they looked like. They are worn out, and have holes in the soles and other parts of the shoes. Santiago said, “please don’t share the photos of my shoes with others.” He felt embarrassed for others to see how bad his shoes look, so we won’t share those photos.
Santiago’s Birthday Surprise
While Dawn and I were talking to them, we both felt like we needed to help them buy some boots, socks and more food. We sent some additional aid the next day. After we sent the funds, Yoliztli told us it was Santiago’s birthday, which we didn’t realize. She said that Santiago was treated very poorly as a child and for much of his life, so he has a lot of doubts. Sometimes he doubts God’s love. It was so encouraging that the Lord worked it out for us to send the funds on his birthday, so that they could buy the boots and socks. He felt very loved and encouraged. Praise the Lord!
They invited a few friends over to have a meal with them for Santiago’s birthday. They wanted to buy some meat, but they couldn’t find any. They were able to find the ingredients to make a pizza, and they enjoyed a fun birthday celebration with family and friends.
God is so good, to provide for his children and show them his love.
The Ever Increasing Needs
The needs on the Big Island seem to be ever increasing. I told one of our pastor friends, Justin that we wanted to send an offering to Yoliztli and Santiago and some other pastors. I asked, “who had the greatest need.” He said, “everyone.” I told him, “I don’t know how we can help everyone.” He responded, “that happens to all of here. Help those that you can.” So we sent an extra gift this month for some of the pastors that we are working with, which includes Yoliztli and Santiago.
Hopefully these stories give you a glimpse of the overwhelming task we face as we seek to raise funds and send aid to our familia on the Big Island. Thank you for praying. We know that God hears our prayers.
Extend Your Hands to Help!
Dawn and I ask you to prayerfully consider extending your hands to help! Send a gift today to help a needy family, so that they can have enough food to eat. Pray for them as they share of good news of Jesus.
You can support one family for $25 a month! A special needs gift to help one or many families is a great help as you extend your hands to show the love of Christ.
Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.
In His Grip, Dave
P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja, and Beyond
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