A 14 year old girl was taken in by this elderly couple(not giving name or photo-to keep her protected), because her mom re-married and the new dad was beating her. One would think-“AHHH, finally someone in Swaziland cares enough to reach out to a young lady, cares enough to show what safety and LOVE look like”…then this utter violation-she was molested by the grandfather figure. Our hearts break, her trusting nature is destroyed, and a child is left blaming herself. We are grateful that the truth has now come out, and we are working on getting her into a loving environment, away from those who would harm her. But-so much damage has been done. Her innocence stolen. It may be years of seeing true love, the love of Jesus before she may be able to trust again. All of the missionaries here are willing to show her that love, and give her the time and attention. What the enemy intends to use to kill and destroy, we hold on to the promise that GOD intends to turn it for good. We believe she has a bright future, and one day may be a great leader-and maybe even help others who have experienced what she has had to endure.
This “heaviness” combined with constantly having to watch over your shoulder, taking every precaution to keep a heightened awareness about ourselves, combined with hundreds of stories like above(just happened late last week), with major changes in the leadership of the ministry(the circumstances of “Pops” Dave Ohlerking passing), with still trying to understand a culture and language that confounds us…well, I believe that God has given us more than we can handle….let that sink in a second…yes, I believe HE is giving us more than we can handle. Otherwise, we might think we could do it ourselves..that that little girl could do it herself...that the ministry could do it itself. We are forced to rely more heavily on Him than ever before. It is not easy. But then again, He did not say it would be easy, He just said GO.
Please pray for her, please pray for the Ohlerking family, Rodgers family, and Children’s cup family, and if you would… please pray for us. We love and miss you.
2 comments:
Ah, how utterly awful. I amazed again about the challenges you are facing and the amazing things God is helping you to do. I will be praying for this young girl, others like her, both of you, and the people you work with.
Here is a Bible verse I just came across tonight that helps me in my reflection of this last spring and summer: Romans 5:3-4 "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope."
Mitch and Charlotte,
I am praying for you! My heart breaks at this awful situation and the others you are facing. it may be true that God is giving more than you can handle alone- but know that you have not been given more than HE can handle. Also know that God already has the victory! I know from my own experiences how incredibly hard it is to learn to trust again. But will be praying for both of us to have our trust completely restored! I am thankful that she now has people in her life that can show her the love of Christ- the only one who can bring true healing.
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