Newsletter / April 05

Marilu And Her Children

We have a history of seven years with this certain mom, Marilu. She came to us seven years ago because she was pregnant and at the end of her resources. She had five of her children with her and was carrying her 9th child (2 children had died and relatives were raising a third).

She has been a challenge to minister to because she is so apathetic. A few years ago we saw that she was also a very angry person and has harmed her own children because of that anger. We had to do crisis intervention and she went in and out of counseling because of her apathy.

Finally, after 5 years, 2 years ago, she told us that the father of her 5 year old was asking her to come back to him. She felt that he would take care of her and her children. She was gone only 3 weeks and then returned saying she wanted her children to remain at Casa Del Pastor so they could continue in the special school they had been attending. I agreed on the condition that she would visit regularly. I started raising the children and she did not visit. Then after a year she returned, upset and hurt, saying the man was mistreating her (which he had done before). She asked for a new chance, . After much prayer, I agreed that she could stay. However, within a few days it came out that she was carrying her 10th child. I was not surprised. She had known this and had deceived me.

This woman is very apathetic in her mothering skills and the school had noticed the radical change in her children when she was around. The children actually appear more secure and able to learn when the mother was not present than when she is at Casa Del Pastor. Marilu finally returned to the man. I had really wanted to see her seek counseling and change, but it was not happening.

Now her 10th child is 1 year old and she returned asking to come back to Casa Del Pastor. I said no. I asked that she find a room to rent to be near, but she could not live here at Casa Del Pastor as it has a negative affect on her children. She had been here 6 weeks but had made no effort to find a room. Even when a trailer became available and was offered rent free to her, she refused.

I did not want to take legal action against this woman, but I did not want to jeopardize her children?s welfare, either I have been raising these children,: Juan, Reyna, Fransisco (Pancho), Isabel and Celia for two years and have become their adoptive mom. I need prayer for wisdom and Marilu needs prayer also to get right with Jesus and to be led by Him. Please join me in prayer for this delicate situation.

Note: Before this was sent to print, Marilu left CDP while I was away. She left 5 of her children in my care. Prayer is still needed, thank you.



Sad News

Lucia, mother of Ezequiel, Susana, Gilbert, William, Fedencio, and Jeanie has gotten involved with a man. She left with all of her children without thinking of their safety, security or welfare. She is not at peace or involved with the Lord's counsel. We are praying that she realizes her error before her children are harmed. Please pray for her and her children.

Praise Reports

Casa Del Pastor continues to thrive! We have 15 families, including 79 children. Our children continue to receive top honors in the schools, thanks in part to our intensive schooling/tutoring program run by our teacher missionary Chelah. The children continue to grow healthy and strong in their bodies, minds and in the Lord with daily Bible stories, and weekly church services and Bible Club meetings.

The Lord has done much these last 13 or so years! Now there is a busy Calvary Chapel in our small town ministering not only to our families but to the whole community. Our Phase II building is going forward and it will house 30 families. And, the Lord has given us a strong desire to open up a private Christian bilingual school for our children and for those in the community! We are starting to pray and plan for it. We want only excellent things for our children here "to give them a hope and a future".

Our moms are involved in many endeavors, including our own restaurant as well as other businesses. They are busy saving their money to buy their own plot, have a house built and continue to rebuild their lives. And Casa Del Pastor is a big part of this and you with your prayers and financial support are also a big part in God?s amazing work down here at Casa Del Pastor