Natalia and her six children welcome the Holy Trinity team into her little rented one-room house

It was an unusual request, one that had not been asked before, but with the help of Rosy Lira and her deaconesses, the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church team from Edmond, OK were able to meet several different families from the Anapra mission-churches at their homes. These home visits opened up conversations where the Holy Trinity missionaries were able to see how God has brought them through hard times.

One of the families, Jesus and Candelaria with their daughter Rosa Isela, welcomed several members of the team. This family’s struggle to make ends meet are a result of Jesus’ inability to work due to serious health concerns. Candelaria is the main bread winner, picking up odd jobs as much as possible, to be able to provide for her family. This financial struggle has resulted in Rosa Isela dropping out of school four years ago after completing primary education.

Elsa and her grandson Vidal were happy to have the Holy Trinity team visit with them

One of the members who was part of this family visit, Laurie, was deeply moved when she learned Rosa Isela was eager to return to school, with a dream of becoming a nurse. “I’m getting ready to start school again, to get a nursing degree,” Laurie shared the day after meeting Rosa Isela, “And I knew I had to help her achieve this dream of hers.”

Working along with several other members of the Holy Trinity team, Rosa Isela was granted a “Stay in School” Scholarship.

Another family visited, Alma and her children, shared with the team how God has worked through the people of La Santa Biblia to help them survive and thrive when they arrived Anapra after leaving Durango in search of a better future. Alma’s husband was injured at work several years ago, leaving him to work when he’s physically able to. Alma stays home taking care of their three children, with the oldest, Mayte, dropping out of school to get a job at a factory to help further provide for their family.

Alma shared stories of how God has provided for her family through her church family

This family was blessed with a little house several years ago, after living in borrowed rooms, including the church. Alma was very proud to share with the team the addition of the kitchen and bathroom to her little house was done with repurposed materials from the demolition of La Santa Biblia five years ago.

“I taught the Sunday school class,” Alma shared with a smile, “With the sagging roof and floors, and when the decision to tear down the old and poorly constructed buildings that made up the church. Rosy asked me if I wanted to take my Sunday school room with me…and I did.”

“It was amazing to hear how God provides for them,” one of the Holy Trinity missionaries shared afterwards, “The joy they expressed despite their struggles and hardships were a wonderful witness of God’s goodness.”

If you would like to know how you can offer opportunities to children and youth like Rosa Isela, reach out to us at ylm@ylm.org for more information. While Rosa Isela has been sponsored by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Mayte and several other children are still waiting for the financial support to be able to complete their education, reach their dreams, and discover a brighter future.