She ran right up to me, grabbed my right hand, quenched it tight and asked me how I was. She was around 4’11, 90lbs, 75 years old, if I had to guess. Her skin was dark and wrinkled like old clay. Her clothes were smelly, stained with countless hours of hard work. And her toothless smile could light up a room. Her name was Mercedes and I met her one afternoon on the streets of Santa Ana, El Salvador.
A few days ago, my team and I had set out on the streets to evangelize. At first I met a gentleman named, Jorge, who supports his family by selling “hot dogs” on the street corner. He only charges $0.50, so I can’t imagine how many he needs to sell each day to meet his quota. Mind you, they are not really hot dogs, but sandwich meat cut into slices, placed in a bun with a variety of sauces (they love sauces here!) with pico do gallo on top. Although I don’t eat meat, I bought one and secretly slipped it to my pal, Jake. Jorge told me (in Spanish) that he believes there is one god and all religions worship this one god. I asked him if he knew Jesus, and he said no – he said he wasn’t ready because he is a sinner. We (myself and Zuleima) tried to explain that his sin bears no weight. That his sin was paid for already. He wasn’t buying it. The funny thing about Jorge is this: he often gives hot dogs away to the poor, because “it’s important to give back.” He is currently serving as the hands and feet of Christ without even realizing it. I can’t wait for the day he opens up his heart to the Lord.
THEN. Then, little Mercedes came scurrying over to me and grabbed my hand. My heart broke for her immediately. She told me she loved God; that she had no family, but she had God. Her husband and her children had all died, and she was all alone. To support herself, she knocks on people’s doors asking if they need laundry done. Her apron was stained and weathered. Her shoes were so tiny and worn. But she radiated life. She was full of it, and joy! I asked if we could pray for her and, of course, she said yes. She requested that we pray for Jorge and bless his sandwich business. We did. Mercedes broke down in tears. Her little hand was stroking mine as she cried. She was so thankful for the prayer. She was thankful for meeting us on the street. She was thankful for all the blessings God had given her. She had nothing, but was so thankful.
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
