(Irene & Juanita)
The first time I met Irene was our first day of ministry with Transforma. Specifically, when our team was asked to pray for the women and I was wondering how this would work – praying for someone that I didn’t share a language with. I don’t remember what was even said that morning, but I will never forget Irene. She has such a sweet spirit around her that made me want to just stand there and hug her. Little did I know the story behind the joy.
Irene is a middle-aged woman who is from the barrio of Andromeda near Sinai. She is mother to 3 children – a 17 year old daughter (Natalia AKA Nati), a 15 year old son, and a 5 year old daughter. Nati got pregnant at 13 years old and now has a 4 year old son.
Irene started coming to Transforma in October of 2014 and about a year later, really got involved with the ministry. Not long after, she shared that Nati and Nati’s son had been removed from her home by child services. This had followed a confession to a school counselor that Nati had been abused by Irene’s husband. About 2 months ago, children’s services confirmed that it was true and that Irene’s husband is the father of Nati’s son.
As you can imagine, this news was devastating – the relationship with her daughter was hurting and she had left her husband with nowhere to go and minimal belongings. In the midst of it all, she knew that the people of her community would soon find out what had happened.
However, the women of Transforma rallied around Irene, bringing her food, clothes, and emotional support. Comfort instead of judgement.
Irene later returned to her husband because she could not afford to live anywhere else. She moved 3 times in a matter of 3 months but with the help of Transforma, she was able to find a more permanent residence. She also received the supplies to provide hair and nail services to those in her community and is now able to provide for her family.
The highlight of Irene’s story is her bravery. Bravery often comes with the imagine of a strong, victorious warrior. That is exactly what Irene is. Despite hardship, she continues to find His strength made perfect in her weakness and His victory over her life.
“I am a testimony of God’s faithfulness because His strength lifts me up, not my own. Transforma has complimented the strength God he given me to move forward.”
Irene has persevered and now lives a life committed to God completely. She has worked through and come out of depression and now attends the skill development program at Transforma three times a week. She is one of eight women in the community who are involved in the “Uprising Leaders” group at Transforma, of which she is well on her way to becoming.
God has really changed the life of Irene. I have no idea what she’s saying, but her prayers bring a feeling of love and peace. She is rarely seen without a smile on her face and a laugh in her heart.
This is just one story of many women in the community of Sinai. Leaving these beautiful people is no easy step, but I believe in God’s love and provision over them as much change has happened just in this month. Please continue to pray for Irene and her family, as Nati is now pregnant with her 2nd child. And join me in remembering the barrio of Sinai in your prayers.
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1. Make a monthly pledge by clicking here.
(Just 25 monthly pledges of $40 would fund the cost of the trip & all additional expenses 
)
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