Good things for those who love Him

December 2010

Florinda , Armando’s wife, was transferred to 4 different hospitals and was in intensive care (in and out of a coma) for about 2 months. She had an operation, in order to clean the infection from her stomach. When I visited the family, Willy translated my prayer into Maya for Florinda’s mom. We read Mark 2: the story about the man who was lifted through the roof, and when Jesus saw their faith, He healed him. The family drew closer to the Lord & their faith grew through these hard times. The day after her brother-in-law, Pedro, told the family to think positive and pray, she spoke a few words and became more alert & stable for a few days. When the infection spread to her brain and other parts of her body, the doctors said there was no hope. Three family members began texting me for encouragement and prayer. I was blessed that they reached out to me, that they were seeking God & claiming scriptures over her life. It was an honor to be part of their prayers, growth & unity. At the same time, it was heart-breaking to not see the miracle that we were praying for to come to pass. Unfortunately, Florinda passed away just before Christmas. It’s hard to understand why a 35 year old woman would leave behind 3 small children & an infant; but we know that God’s timing is perfect and He is in control. It is comforting that the family knows that she is in heaven now without pain (she and Armando accepted the Lord about 10 months previously, just after his motorcycle accident!). Thank you, ENE, for purchasing a hammock from this family, you have helped them to pay off Florinda’s hospital bill!

Willy, her brother-in-law, was really affected by Florinda’s illness. He came to Playa with me, in November, to look for work in order to help the family. On the bus, he opened up and shared a lot. He is thankful that the Lord has given him the strength to be alcohol free for over 1 year. He said that often times, people get closer to God when they have struggles; but he has just decided to follow Jesus in good times and bad! He also talked about reading his bible more and wanting to be baptized! We arrived to Tulum and went directly to the Lighthouse Church service, which he enjoyed very much. God is always turning things into good for those who love Him!