Ana, Angie, Sara, Michelle, and Gisella–A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
It has been said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Recently a girl in our church posted the above picture on her Facebook account. When I saw the picture, I thought, “I could say a thousand words about that picture or, better yet, write a prayer letter about it.”
Ana (first one on the left): Ana started coming to our church with her family about 10 years ago. They have been a faithful family ever since. Shortly after they started coming, I remember the dad came to the church and told me, “I have walked all the way from my house (about 5k) looking for work (he is a mason) and have not found any. Can you help me?” I gave him what I had in my pocket—about $10—and told him to come by my house the next day. I gave him work for about three days, which was a big help for him at that time.
A few years ago, he came and told me that he felt really bad about something he had done. A gang member in his neighborhood was bothering Ana (gangs in Honduras are a very violent, wicked, and cruel underworld). He said he had grabbed the gang member and was going to cut off his head with his machete, but neighbors begged him not to do it. He was relieved when I told him he had done the right thing! Ana will be finishing high school this year and will be the first member of her family to ever attend university.
Angie (second from left): Her 16-year-old brother was murdered last year. He was robbing in the wrong neighborhood (criminals don’t like it when other criminals invade “their territory”). She comes from a rough home and has a lot of issues herself; nevertheless, she comes to church faithfully, and we are trying to help her.
Sara (middle): She was the first convert I baptized when we started the church about 14 years ago. Her parents, a brother, and nephew are faithful members of our church. She will be going to Panama in a couple of weeks for her last semester of Bible college. She is engaged to a preacher boy and will be married in January. They are praying about a country in which to serve as missionaries.
Michelle (second from right): She looks up to Sara a lot. She is faithful to church and goes out soul winning every Saturday with my wife. She has surrendered her life to the serve the Lord full-time.
Gisela (first on the right): She is Angie’s niece. They live in the same house (with about eight more family members). She is a little more mature than her aunt but in a rough situation. God has allowed us to help this family. I believe that eventually a lot of good will come out of this home.
These girls have smiles on their faces because of Jesus, the Bible, and the church. Thank you for allowing us to represent you on the mission field. May God bless you and continue use you.
Truly,
Osmin Gutierrez