I have to admit, solicitations aren’t the reason that I do what I do, but I had a feeling it was coming after I met with this family. I met Emilio’s son while I was working in the jail and even had the chance to baptize him a few months ago. It was such an incredible time for all the men so I had pictures printed for all of them to send to their families. As I looked at the picture Emilio gave me of when I baptized his son, I couldn’t help but get excited all over again. Now, it’s incredible that the ministry is starting to overflow onto the families of the inmates. I love doing what I do.
Emilio told me the story of how he has tried to help his son get out of jail. Unfortunately, if you’re a poor family in this country, it’s difficult to make a defense for yourself. Many of the men, like Emilio’s son, will sit there for years, just awaiting their trial. If the families can afford to hire a private attorney, the process can usually move a little faster, but it’s a huge risk for a family like this. Emilio told me how they tried to hire a private attorney by selling their only carabao (picture like a buffalo/com hybrid), and just ended up being swindled out of their money. Now their son is not only still in jail, but the family is left with very little to even make money.
As I heard from this family, I knew there was very little hope of the money coming in any time soon, but I begin to question what I can do. Part of me wishes I had an endless supply of money that would not only provide for my own needs, but also allow me to just cut a check on the spot. Unfortunately, then you get into the battle of providing verses enabling a family. If the money came in, would the family keep working? There’s always a constant struggle of who to help when and how to be a good steward of what we’ve been given.
Unfortunately, this family’s need is way out of my budget and not really something I feel very comfortable providing. All I can really offer is prayer and the fact that my God is a good dad and a good provider. Sometimes that’s all I need to do. Sometimes, that’s all He wants me to do so that His name is the only one glorified when the need is met. I’m praying for this family and for a miracle…
