We have had very precious times at Paula's house (fictitious name). This house (which is also a bar) was one of the first opportunities open for us to meet, when we started work in Zambujal.
Many lives have been reached by the Gospel, but today we want to share about Dona Paula's journey.
When we first met her, she was very frustrated. Despite being an active woman, a problem with her legs prevented her from even taking care of her personal hygiene. We prayed with her for a few weeks and little by little she got better. We were filled with joy on the day when she welcomed us with dancing, celebrating recovery! It renewed her faith. Since she cannot read, we have provided the audio Bible in her dialect. Even though we hadn't told her to do so, she began to listen to the Word every morning.
We have also sought to guide her in terms of forgiveness. We remind her of how Jesus forgave us even though we didn't deserve it, and even though her heart was closed at first, today she has taken the step of asking God to help her forgive a family member that hurt her.
We were recently surprised by the news that her 97-year-old mother, who lives in another country, has been encouraging her to follow what we teach. In a faraway land, the heart of a servant of God was greatly rejoiced for the work we are doing here!
We found out that Dona Paula's mother was always a believer and that, despite facing her husband's opposition, she took her children to church in secret. How many seeds were sown and how many prayers must have gone up before God for the salvation of her children! What an honor for God to allow us to be part of the answer.
"It doesn't matter who plants or who waters, but God, who makes it grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work for the same end, and both will be rewarded for their hard work.” (1 Cor. 3:7,8)
Pray for the salvation of Dona Paula, that the eyes of her understanding and heart will be opened and that she will surrender completely to Jesus!