Who can forget the wonders he performs—deeds of mercy and of grace? He gives food to those who trust him; he never forgets his promises. Psalms 111:4, 5.
This month we present a summary of many of the most urgent needs that still remain unmet this year.
$42,675 seems like a lot of money. But, when you break it down into small pieces it suddenly becomes much more manageable. What follows are the many manageable pieces that make up our $42,675 prayer list.
Gabriela Segura had hoped to begin her course of studies this year, but despite presentation of her plea on various occasions in past months, only one person responded (sending $175). This young lady needs $1,650 in order to study, so for the time being her plans are on hold. I only wish I could provide for her personally, but it is beyond my means.
The $25 which came for the college student Misael Cargill represents a faithful monthly kindness from a dear friend at my home church in California. It has been a major struggle for us to meet the rent and other needs for Misael and his mother, Soledad. They need close to $520 per month, part of which also goes to cover daily transportation to and from Misael’s college campus. His tuition is now paid up to date. The next charge of $800 will come in August.
Hugo Rivas, student of psychology and law, has been featured in several of the monthly letters in recent times. We are grateful for the donations received from one of our kind Missionary Partners families. Before the major impact of the Recession, they were sponsoring Hugo and his family entirely. Circumstances have changed considerably this year, however. I try to provide what I can from my pension income, but once again want to ask you for help in this case. The Rivas family has two children, Daniel in academy, and little pre-schooler Sofia Andrea. For this family, and for tuition charges, rent, food help, and transportation $1,200 monthly is required. Hugo’s next tuition bill and related fees comes up again in August and will cost $1,900.
No donations have come for Marta Benitez and her two daughters in recent months. They are living in what was formerly our foundation office. We cover the rent for them from general donations, and attempt to provide occasional amounts from general donations to cover some utility charges, or some other urgent needs for them. Total needed $1,700.
Another case which is always on our hearts is that of Gladys and her daughter Raquel Chavarria. Raquel is a handicapped youth attending the SDA academy in her wheelchair. Her father chose to do drugs and abandon their home. For several years we were providing this mother-daughter home with $150 monthly plus full tuition for Raquel. Nothing specific has come for them in recent months so once again we divide up the decreasingly small general funds and try to help keep this family provided for, though lately there has been practically nothing to place in this mother’s hands. Total needed $750.
Minor Gonzalez, to cover his services to the foundation (June letter) nothing received. $4,000 needed.
Luis Jimenez (Luis sustained a bad leg injury back in March which has prevented him from being able to work. This has put a real strain on this family budget.) and children, tuition and home needs (June letter) nothing received. $3,400 needed.
Sandy Bonilla and son Ferdinand, SDA School tuition and home needs (May letter) nothing received. $2,000 needed.
Fatima Escalante and children home needs (May letter) $25 received. $750 needed.
Fatima’s son, Yurgen Leonel, has cerebral paralysis. How his mother watches over him with such loving care. Without a complaint, she just faces each new day overcoming the obstacles in their path.
Andrei Rivera, needs tuition help at SDA School (April letter) nothing received. $1,500 needed.
Maria Jose Vindas, needs tuition help at SDA School (April letter) nothing received. $1,500 needed.
Jacqueline Martinez, final college fees (March letter) nothing received. $1,200 needed.
Jacqueline is attempting to finish college studies with a major in business administration. This is her last semester and our Missionary Partners wherewithal for her has not materialized so far in 2011.
Benjamin Vargas, Autumn Miller SDA School tuition (March letter) nothing received. $1,500 needed.
Benjamin’s elderly father continues in poor health, and small-person mom is struggling to keep the home afloat.
Benjamin is a smart fifth grader who deserves just as much as children from better-off homes the opportunity of studying in a fine Christian school.
Alejandra Artavia and children, home needs (February letter) nothing received. $500 needed.
Alejandra’s husband is in jail. Four of the children are in school. She does domestic work. Missionary Partners repaired her quake-weakened house in 2009. We have been trying to provide her with $100 food supplement per month.
Ashley Alfaro Moya, SDA School tuition (January letter) nothing received. $1,500 needed.
Here is an excerpt from a letter received from this adorable little girl:
“My name is Ashley Alfaro Moya and I am 8 years old. My sister, Lindsay, is 5 and our little brother, Jeremy, is just five months old. Mother, Kathya, stays home to care for us. Father, Mauricio, provides for the family. The problem is that where he was working they wanted him to come in on Sabbaths and when he told them why he could not do that, they fired him. Presently he is helping my grandfather at the natural remedies health clinic, but with only $200 monthly income from that our family situation is very tight right now. Father also does cabinet work for people. His carpentry work is very nice, but lately not many people need his craft. I am hoping to be able to continue studying at the Autumn Miller SDA School . . . .”
We have a list of 14 children at SDA mission schools, (January and March letter) for which nothing has been received so far. $9,000 is needed for those not already named elsewhere in this letter.