Truth or Fraud?

 I am going to attempt to paint a word picture.... Merv talked of the girl we went to see yesterday morning. Her stepdad has asked for help for medical problems in the past. Not for himself but for his family.  They have realized, but do not have solid proof that some of that money he received was not used for what he claimed it was. Or the medical problem was not nearly as severe as described... so anyway he has been after Travis again about his stepdaughter whom he married off a while ago. She’s 15, has been one of the children who came to SS here and the neighbor children all know she’s their age. They have claimed now lately that she’s 19. In fact have a document stating that “fact”. She had an appendectomy probably 6 months ago or so. Ever since she has had pain off and on over on her left side. Apparently it’s gotten worse and now she NEEDS to go to the hospital. Travis and the other missionary men here, felt pretty strongly that this was not a genuine need. He was just needing money again. (This man is not a Christian, not an attendee,) but is he ever persistent!!! Calls and calls and bangs in the gate and follows Travis around. Cries and whispers in his ears... he chews “pan” which is some leaf and berry or something that gives a high similar to tobacco. Makes rotten teeth and red drool! 🤧Travis decided we needed to visit this girl and see how sick she is...

We walk down a narrow little path, framed on the sides by fences and greenery. And, yes if you look down, there’s trash... but if you keep your eyes up and out, there’s much beauty. We come to a building that would have been razed long ago in the states. It’s made of bricks and cement like all buildings in this country. Duck into a small little opening in the side and enter a small room with a couple light bulbs, a bed, and some shelves or cupboards around. The walls are covered with fabrics or bamboo mat- like things. To cover the holes and cracks in the crumbling brick. One corner of this room is curtained off- Just big enough for a bed, a small fridge, a chair, and several people to crowd around. remember it’s hot here... and humid, though not as humid as some times of the year. On the bed covered in the traditional dress (camise and pants with a “shawl” thrown over the shoulders, is a young girl. Sweaty, tired dull eyes... no she doesn’t want the fan turned on. According to Mr Untrustworthy, she hasn’t eaten a thing in 5 days. Travis talked with her mom and step dad. They stuck to their story. He talked with her, little response from her. No words ever. Slight head motions. She lay quite calm and still. Didn’t writhe like you might think she would have, if she was in so much pain. Was she past that point? Or was she acting an act she was forced to act? Travis told them he was not giving them money this time. But he explained to her that the Jesus she has learned about in SS could heal her. He had a touching prayer with her. A prayer for healing... surely God was in that tiny stifling, little hut. If physical healing was not in truth needed, could a spiritual healing possibly happen?? If only, that dear girl could grasp at the Truth and fling away the Fraud of her upbringing. 

We did hear that they took her to the hospital later that day. That stepdad was after Travis again later in the afternoon. These CSI workers need prayers for wisdom, for patience, and for love. 

The rest of the day was good...Friday is worship day here in this country. SS in the morning with neighbor children here in the yard. Church at 4 in the afternoon at a small tin building on our brother and sister’s yard. Cha and biscuits at an acquaintances house near the church. Later on a light snack supper...