My husband left me. Now I must take care of 4 children alone. I don’t have a job. They are living with my mama because there is a better chance they’ll get fed there. My kids get kicked out of school for not wearing a uniform. Life is hard. I want a husband or boyfriend. Then I wouldn’t have to worry so much because he would take care of my children and I. Life is difficult here. Sometimes I think of ending all this misery. Life is just too hard. My name is Tereza.
We met this beautiful woman one morning as we walked around, talking to people, visiting them in their homes. She was with a relative (sister-in-law, perhaps?) and another elderly woman. These ladies lovingly welcomed us with big, warm smiles and chairs. As we started learning about them and building relationships, God grew my heart with love for them, especially Tereza. On this first visit, she told us she wants a husband or boyfriend, but it wasn’t until later that I understood she wanted one, mainly for his provision.
In their culture, jobs aren’t easy to come by, especially for women. There aren’t advertisements about job openings because people are given jobs based on personal recommendation. Basically, you have to know the right people to get a job, or else you’re screwed. Some women sell small items, usually pao (bread rolls), in order to get some sort of income.
Whenever we went out to do house visits, we made sure to stop by at Tereza’s place. We wanted to show her that someone cares for her, and when any opportunity arose, we spoke life into her. We told her how God calls Himself our Husband, how beautiful she is to Him, and that He’ll provide for His children.
During our last visit with her, we learned she’d begged the school teachers to not send her kids home; she would get uniforms soon for them. We wanted to show her God’s love by meeting this need, so we walked down to the market with her and paid for her children’s school uniforms. Before parting, she surprised us by giving each of us a hug. I wish you could have seen how her smile, full of gratitude, relief, and joy lit up her entire face. She is so adorable!
I pray that she’ll fully know God’s love for her. Lord, encounter her and forever change her, all for Your glory. I pray that she would rely on the only ONE who can provide for every need she has. May she abound in faith, hope, and love. Thank you for hearing my prayers Father. Praise the Lord, for He is good!
Will you please pray for Tereza, too?
I’m glad you guys were able to build this relationship! Way to be faithful.
Becca, you & the others are storing up treasures in heaven! Thank you for being generous & willing to serve.