We are in the small home of Sergio and Tanzi. They are a warm and hospitable family with two small children.
They have agreed to host 8 Americans for two weeks. It is a tight fit; but I don’t feel it. The family is welcoming and kind. They are worried for our well-being. They are cautious about our health. We have a pregnant member of the team and the wife has recently given birth. She empathizes with our team member. There is a great deal of pampering going on, care being given and advice being shared.
This morning after breakfast the plumbers came for a visit. There was an accident last week due to the gas and so the plumbers are coming around to check all the pipes. When they came, it was discovered that regulations are not in code. In order to get into regs, the family owes at least $450 USD. It is not possible. They do not have the resources.
Our hosts are missionaries. They live to expand God’s kingdom. They are gracious, kind, godly, genuine people. This morning we found out they will lose their gas. Building codes are not met and consequences are coming. I do not wish them ill. I do not look forward to a cold home. Yet, I want to help them meet their needs in a way that empowers them and strengthens their faith in the provisions of God.
Currently we are meeting to discuss our team’s ability to pay for their problem. It is a lively discussion! I feel that I am putting my newly acquired knowledge and perspective gained from reading Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. Right now, we are playing with ideas that we can let God move. We can help Sergio’s business to provide him quicker access to profit. We can offer a gift of some funds to help the need. We can pray. We can let God have an opportunity to move rather than try to control the situation with money.
Right now, I hope and pray that we can find a way to resolve this issue. Please pray for the family. Please pray for God to move and provide. Please pray for our faith and trust in His ability, His plans and His reasons.
Thank you Lord for your provision. Help us know your plan.
