We recently shared "A Christmas Story" about Rosa and her family that we came across in the El Diario newspaper in Juárez. The story was the same as so many families currently living in Juárez; one of poverty, freezing nights, and little food for her family. After reading the article, our staff took some provisions to Rosa, hoping to bring a little help and the love of Jesus in this Christmas season. Although she shared with us her need for a home, with the decreasing number of volunteers, there was little we could do but offer her an application to get the process started. We left that day hopeful and grateful to be able to help, but thinking that this story ended there. We had no idea this was just the beginning.
A week later at Paseo Christian Church in El Paso where many of our staff worship, the pastor preached a challenging message sharing Rosa's story with the congregation. In his own words, "I used this story Sunday in a message just to be an illustration to get people to think beyond themselves. To extend grace. To be bringers of good. To reflect Ephesians 2:8-10. To hit them in the gut. That’s all. An illustration." During communion however, everything changed when a friend whispered in the pastor's ear, “Challenge them. Tell them Rosa could be in a house by Friday and for only $4500. Challenge them.”
What happened next was truly a Christmas miracle. Ten people gave $4500 for Rosa and her family to receive a home. The following Wednesday, 11 people went to Juárez to build. On Friday, Rosa and her family received the keys to their new home. God showed up in the form of El Pasoans willing to answer the call that was placed before them. In return, Rosa and her family received a Christmas miracle they will never forget. If it wasn't for individuals willing to step out of their story and into Rosa's, her situation would have remained the same. Today she would be fighting the cold trying desperately to provide for her family. Instead she is sitting in her new home preparing to make Christmas tamales.
To watch this Christmas story unfold, has been to witness the hand of God as He intertwines and uses all of our lives for His perfect plan. This Christmas season, may you find yourself lost in this spirit of love, grace, peace, and forgiveness. May you find yourself being used as the hands and feet of our Savior. May you understand a little more of God's gift of love through the birth of His son as you become a living part of this Christmas story.
What if we are the answer to prayer that someone is waiting for today? We hope that you will see and engage in the opportunities God brings your way. Perhaps it's just a phone call, a kind act towards friends, or the willingness to go out of your way for another. You may have no idea what greater story God is unfolding around you. Your one decision to act might change everything.
"Blessed Is The Season Which Engages The World In A Conspiracy Of Love" -Hamilton Wright Mabi
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| Rosa and her son Adan |
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| Rosa used all of the food that she had to cook for the team |
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| Adan stuccoing his new home |
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| Rosa with the bible the team presented to her |
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| Rosa, Adan and the team in front of her new home |
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