We would be overwhelmed if we just focused on the poverty and suffering that is continuously around us here in Nicaragua.  At times I just sit and cry. In order to cope, we have had to find a way to deal with life here.  We have come to understand that God brings people and needs into our path and those are the ones we need to focus on and respond to.  Over the next couple months we want to share those people and needs.

In August of 2018 I wrote about this family.  We met them about 5 years ago. On the left are Audon and his wife Natalia.   They are 86 and 87 respectively.  They are both believers.  They had 6 children of which only one of them is still living, which is their daughter Anna (sitting in the chair) who is 45 years old.  Anna is deaf and blind.   The two girls to the right of Anna are her two daughters; both the results of their mother being raped when she was a teenager.  Both daughters are deaf.

Audon has had field jobs in the past, but is not working.  The only income the family has is when the fruit trees on the property are ripe, Natalia places them in a basket and carries them the 2.5 km into town and goes door to door selling them.  From those small harvests and the little money she makes selling it she buys what food she can.

I visited them yesterday to drop off a little food.  Natalia told me that over the last couple weeks they have had no fruit to sell.  But, that was not all that occurred over the last couple weeks. 

A week ago, Audon was attacked by African bees on their property.  He was stung so many times that his eyes swelled shut and he fell to the ground.  He remembered his arms being black with bees landing and stinging him. He attempted to crawl to their house to get someone’s attention and a second swarm from another nest attacked him.  Just before he went unconscious from the pain, He prayed to the Lord that He would take him home.  As it was meant to be, one of his granddaughters found him and carried to the house.  They were then able to get a ride to the hospital where they were able to revive him.

The amazing thing about Natalia and Audon is that they are always smiling and praising God.  They have nothing and their lives are very difficult. When Audon and Natalia pass away, life for Anna and the girls is very uncertain. The government provides nothing.

We would ask everyone to pray for Natalia, Audon, and family; and if the Lord lays it on your heart, to give in order that we might help provide monthly food to this family and provide some relief.  Looking at this family, the loss, the suffering, and the continual struggle that life is, I find it an amazing faith that is within them.  Truly their faith through so many difficulties is a testimony that glorifies God.

for His glory,

Stephen Goff
Stephen.Goff@N-Response2.com
www.N-Response2.com
www.n-response2.com/give/support-for-goffs (for our monthly support)
www.n-response2.com/give/to-give-relief-aid-to-nicaragua (for specific people, projects, and general relief aid)
My Blog Page: Nicamoments