Agustin

Yesterday we finally got the keys to our new house and Andrew went down to do some painting. I phoned to see how he was getting on to find out that he had gone to the hospital! Agustin is one of the guys from a group called Politecnico who is trying to get off the streets. He has been living near the Santa Monica church (where the current MEFI group is based) but has returned to the streets from time to time.

Last week he ran back to the streets with 100 pesos (about £5) which he had borrowed from a church member. It turns out he felt bad that he wasn't contributing his fair share to the rent and was going to use the 'borrowed' money to help pay. Instead he returned to the streets where he was treated incredibly badly by the other kids in his group. His 2 friends that he had been living with went and found him and took him to hospital. He was discharged the next day though he was in no condition to leave. Alex took him back and he was prescribed some drugs but when they presented the prescription at the pharmacy it turned out to be a made up drug which doesn't exist.

Alex took Agustin to another hospital where he was treated very well (perhaps the first one has seen too many street kids). He was now ready for discharge and Andrew went to pay the hospital fees.

Agustin was told that his heart could give in at any point and especially if he goes back to the drugs and that it is a miracle he is alive. But God has a purpose for his life! His 2 friends have demonstrated forgiveness and he is living with them again.

Keep praying for Agustin. Breaking the addiction of the streets is not easy. Pray for the demonstration of God's power in his life and for a successful re-integration into society.

The painting has since been resumed!