(PC: Haylee Butler)
Everybody has a story worth telling. Sarah’s is one that needs to be heard by many hearts back home. If you’re reading, this one’s for you.
Sarah is the beautiful soul who led our ministry with the women who are imprisoned in Huanuco, Peru. We were only scheduled to see her for the duration of our time at the prison. After she invited us to her home for lunch our first Sunday we quickly knew we had found safety and friendship with her family. A few times a week we visited Sarah and sat for hours sharing stories and talking about her desire to open a home for children who can’t be with their parents.
Last month was spiritually oppressive and we welcomed the spirit of peace that greeted us when we entered Sarah’s home. It was refreshing to laugh with our Peruvian family.
We sat down with Sarah and her family on our last day for one last meal. While we were discussing natural remedies for headaches and mosquito bites, Sarah’s eyes became misty and her face became filled with emotion and memories. she explained why she doesn’t use medicine to ease pain.
Sarah’s parents divorced when she was very young. Through a series of events, she became resentful of her father.
“I had a lot of hatred in my heart towards him.”
She said she never wanted to get married.
She spoke about being depressed for many years. She took a lot of medication to ease the pain. It didn’t help, but she became addicted to the pills. She wasn’t able to sleep and said she felt like she was crazy. It wasn’t a life she wanted, but didn’t know what else to do.
One night Sarah stayed up praying, “Lord, if you’re there take this away from me.” In the morning, Sarah felt what she calls normal. Not crazy. Tears welled in her eyes as she recalled the relief the Lord gave her.
“The Lord took it away and now I can sleep and don’t experience depression. It’s been 25 years and he still has taken it away.”
When she takes medicine now, she feels sick and more pain. The Lord blesses her healing when she chooses natural remedies.
With a newfound love of the Lord in her heart and a zest for life, Sarah began to feel compassion in her heart towards her father. Resentment remained, so she fasted for three days as she sought the Lord’s will and healing.
“The Lord healed my heart.”
Sarah discovered her father was very sick. During his sickness Sarah took care of him, feeding and visiting with him.
“Only the Lord could do that.”
Now he has given her a passion for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, kids who don’t have parents, and people who are in prison.
Sarah is one of the most joyful people I’ve ever met. She is warm and welcoming. The Lord has given her a great capacity to love. When she sees people in need, she not only feels for them, but actively works to make their lives better. She provides for basic needs and shares the love of the Lord.
It constantly amazes to me to see what happens when people allow the Lord to fill their lives. He promises to be close to the brokenhearted. I’ve seen it happen over and over again.
I’m so thankful for Sarah’s faith. The world would be a lesser place if she had not called out to the Lord. Because of his transformative love many people are hearing about hope and the possibility of a joyful life.
It’s possible- just ask.
