Sandra and Beto update

On Tuesday evening Sandra returned to Beto with her children. We met separately with both of them last night. The situation is calm at the moment and there is a desire for a fresh start.

Thanks once again for your prayers for wisdom in this situation. It was once again obvious - though we had chatted a little about the line we would take it was interesting when we came together afterwards and found that God had guided us to say similar things that we hadn't discussed.

One was to begin to help them see themselves as God sees them. I was touched as I asked Sandra to tell us something that she likes about her character. She couldn't think of anything so I asked her what reason she would give if someone asked her why she should be their friend. She listed a couple of things and then after talking about the things she liked about her physical appearance Paty and I told her things that we loved and appreciated about her. Her head dropped and as we continued she started to cry. I asked her why she was crying and she said that no-one had ever told her those things before. Having suffered abandonment and abuse since she was 2 years old we can't even imagine the hurt and low self-esteem she is carrying. Both Andrew and I encouraged Sandra and Beto to think about how God sees them and we have been and will continue to back this up with scripture.

Beto is aware that his physical abuse of the family is not acceptable or excusable. His deep desire is to see that aspect of his character changed. Pray that he will rely fully on God to see change effected in his life. He is back at work. Pray that he will stick with this job and provide for his family. Sandra has been working on getting her papers in order so that she can also get a better job.

Pray for their little 3 year old girl in all of this. There is no doubt that she is affected but we encouraged both parents to break the cycle and give these dear little children the loving family that they never had.

There is still a long hard road ahead for this family but they are aware of our love and support (with a touch of firmness) and faith that God can work these things together for good and that He can help them through the necessary process of change.

We are also thankful that Katherine and Caroline are here and have been able to listen and give their input as well.