Maribel & Salustiano

Maribel & Salustiano live at the end of a community called Nueva Era.  Their view is wide open spaces,  looking across to strawberry fields at the base of the hill.  They are the first to see the sunrise as it peeks over the hill and baths their community in light and warmth.

About a year ago, we met them and their 4 young children while following up on Solicitudes in their community.  We were drawn to their genuine concern for others in their community who in their minds, needed a house more than themselves.  Our friendship with them developed over this last year, and on one particular visit, Maribel asked us if we "pray to God".  Not only do we pray, but we believe God hears, and we believe in the power of prayer.  They took us to their friend's place a couple of blocks away.  Solomon lay on his bed, a victim of a vicious attack that left him basically paralyzed on one side, and unable to speak because of head trauma from his beating.  He was like a stroke victim, a young man in his early twenties, confined to his bed, needing help for all the necessities of life.  We spent some time praying for him and this created a further bond between us and Maribel & Salustiano.

Two weeks ago, a group from Colwood, Vancouver Island, BC came and built Maribel & Salustiano a beautiful home.  We were able to be part of the project for the entire week.  What an awesome week!

We attached the new house to the little old one, and so they now have a very spacious  home ... 665 sq. ft in total.  We gave the old one a face lift and painted the entire place.  Salustiano learned some new skills and was always looking for ways to be involved.  The house had to be modified slightly from the regular plan because we were attaching it to the old one (and nothing is ever square, and that brought it's own set of challenges) but the group "stepped up to the plate" and completed a very well done home.

Both Maribel & Salustiano took the week off work so they could be around for the entire time.  Some cool relationships were made between Salustiano and some of the guys from Colwood as he worked alongside with his new tool belt and learned a few key English phrases ... "Good morning ... How are you, my friend ... Thank you very much ... It's good, my friend" ... etc.   Three times, Maribel made food for the group.  What a treat!  It's amazing what can be made with a little cilantro, salsa, guacamole and tortillas. At the dedication of the home she made special "carne asada" ... thinly sliced beef ... BBQ's with salsa, guacamole and frijoles (that's free-ho-les) ... that's like beans ... in fact, it is beans.  It was sooo good!  Almost makes you kinda hungry, eh?

The real highlight at the dedication was when our friend and fellow missionary, Ed (who speaks fluent Spanish), gave a short talk and illustration to them about the love of God and the gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ.  It was with very emotional tears that we listened to them pray a simple prayer, accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour that afternoon of the dedication.  It was very interesting to note that after that moment, Maribel opened up her heart to Val that afternoon and shared some real personal stuff with her.  Then this week when we returned to visit on Tuesday evening, Salustiano shared some personal stuff with us that they haven't even told other people.  All of a sudden, we've become "safe" to confide in.  We are honored that God would allow us to be a part of their lives.

We now know that God had a plan to establish a relationship between Himself and this young couple.   We are so humbled that He would even consider using us in the process.  While the house is a nice feature, it is only a tool to help introduce people to Jesus Christ, by demonstrating His love to them in a practical, tangible way.  It is never used to manipulate or coerce people into something spiritual ... and sometimes a new house is just that ... a new house for a family, but it is so exciting when you see people's hearts soften to God through a gift of His love.  This is so evidenced as we go back to visit, and the conversation is no longer just about the project, but it's about real stuff ... heart stuff ... life stuff.  And the relationship moves to a deeper and more significant level.  Please keep them in your prayers as they grown in their own relationship with our Heavenly Father.

They were further blessed by a women's group from the Clearbrook MB Church, in Abbotsford, BC.  Les' mom is a part of this group and they were looking for a special project.  When they heard we were building for Maribel & Salustiano, they raised $400 to put towards furnishing their home.  We were able to buy a stove, a loveseat, an easy chair and a beautiful real wood dining set for them.  Maribel & Salustiano were  overwhelmed with the generosity that comes from people who don't even know them ... people who may not even realize that these gifts are things that they would never be able to purchase for themselves ... ever!   Thank you Clearbrook MB women and thank you, Colwood Pentecostal Church for your generous hearts!

By the way ... Solomon, their friend ... he's now walking with the aid of a walker, putting on some weight and beginning to talk again.  A true miracle!

We have published a photo album of our week spent with Maribel & Salustiano.  Please check it out to the left.