July 2010

July 2010

Dear Friend,
Recently Enrique's father had to go in the hospital. He has been in critical condition and on a respirator for almost a week. On Father's Day, he was very out of breath and had lost a lot of weight. We all tried to convince him to let us take him to the doctor but he refused to go. By Monday morning things were really bad and Enrique had to carry him out of his house and rush him to the hospital, they would have to wait so long that his father would die. Wanting desperately so save his father's life, he took him to a privately-owned hospital, and there, they rushed to get him on a respirator; soon he was taken to intensive care. We knew we could not afford to keep him there and he would have to be moved. The doctors said he would have to stay at least one night so he would be strong enough to be moved. Enrique prayed that the Lord would make a way.

The next day they moved his father to the government-run hospital and we hoped he would get the care he needed. Still unconscious and hooked up to what seemed to be endless tubes and wires, he was put in a huge room that looked like a war zone with others who were waiting for a room. Enrique tried to talk to someone but everyone rushed around and had no time to talk. All of Enriques's family began to arrive at the hospital asking Enrique all kinds of questions. Some family criticized Enrique for taking him to the private hospital and others calling on the Catholic priest to forgive all his father's sins before he died. It was all very overwhelming for Enrique and he felt very responsible. God began to speak to Enrique and he felt a real peace and knew God was up to something bigger than we could imagine.

Enrique waited hours in the emergency room filled with people. A young boy came in with a dislocated shoulder in extreme pain. Alone and scared, Enrique asked him if he could get him a wheel chair. The young boy was so happy for some help and asked for water. Enrique stayed by his side all afternoon and insisted to the nurses they get this boy some help. Enrique prayed with the young boy and soon the nurses wheeled him away. After several hours with a doctor the young boy appeared and hugged Enrique several times before leaving.

The next day, after we had prayed so much, they gave Enrique's father a room. He was in with eight other people in critical condition. We were told that all the doctors were going on strike the next day and the patients would be left with little care. All the children prayed and again the Lord gave us peace that He was in control, not the doctors. Enrique reached out to many families, especially the ones near where his father was. Every night he was telling us what the Lord was doing and how He touched someone. This gave Enrique more hope for his father, and he prayed God would give him at least one more time to pray with his dad.

Just a few years ago, Enrique's father had started coming to our Bible study meetings, never missing one, and always sitting quietly listening to what was said. Growing up, he had never known the Lord, and drank heavily during most of Enrique's childhood. Enrique struggled to forgive him, and God told Enrique to honor his father in spite of all his mistakes. God has given Enrique a great love for his father these last few years and we have encouraged the children to reach out to him and show him lots of love. We have seen a great change in him and although many of his family members remain angry and bitter at him, we know that too can change.

Today, after the doctors had told us Enrique's father may not ever wake up, Enrique went to visit his father. While Enrique was talking softly to him, he opended one eye and nodded his head. Enrique's heart was filled with joy. He got the chance to pray with his dad again. We really don't know what God has in store but we do know He is doing great things. Looking back five or six years, it was so hard to imagine Enrique would ever be able to forgive and love his father. But this I have discovered--love and forgiveness is the key to unlock a miracle. We are so grateful for all the Lord is doing and we appreciate so much your love and prayers. We pray this will be the time when all Enrique's family can come together and there can be healing and forgiveness. It is never too late to change! God's love and grace amazes us every day!

We continue to work hard on the building project and we are excited about all the progress that is being made there. We will keep you updated.

Love and Blessings to you all,
Enrique and Charlyn Mejia