July 2023 – The girl’s lives were marked by abandonment…. But no more

Marriages shattered. Adults fleeing from life’s commitments, overwhelmed by responsibilities they couldn’t bear, left families torn apart by pain. They sought relief, unaware of the deeper agony that awaited. They never realized that in the long run the effects of throwing the towel were going to be way more painful than to keep up the fight. Adults were doing life their own way and the children bore the brunt of their brokenness.

Time and time again, family dysfunction proves to be the greatest risk factor for the girls we serve. One or both parents absent or present family members failing to play their roles which create a void that others must fill. Fathers unable or unwilling to provide, mothers unable or unwilling to nurture. When I speak about provide and nurture I do it in a multidimensional way: emotionally, spiritually, financially and intellectually. In such circumstances, older siblings assume parental roles, burdening children with adult responsibilities—a fertile ground for abuse.

But no more.

This challenge became an invitation for Amparo. For Christ’s family to play out the restoration He mastered. What was shattered by earthly families, restored by Christ’s family. We enter into their pain, just as Jesus entered into ours. It requires abiding with them, as Jesus beckoned us to abide in Him and His Word. We walk together, even when we don’t have the answers. For Jesus not only knows the way, He is the way. We demonstrate this by enduring life’s hardships together, laughing when they laugh, and crying when they cry. This is the calling we have from Jesus to live towards these precious girls.

Though girls can only reside in our home until they turn 18, when God brings them to us, we make a lifelong commitment to them. That is what it means to be a part of Amparo’s family, reflecting the family of Christ.

Praise be to God, this is precisely what we are doing with Ruth. Do you remember her? She graduated from our home last year, turning 18 and completing high school in an eventful year. This year, we have facilitated her transition to a safe house for over-18 year old girls, where she is thriving. We have also covered the cost of her entire medical school education, in a private institution! All of this was made possible through a generous donation from a family in Indiana who became involved with Amparo around two years ago. They have become an integral part of the Amparo family.

The significance of doing this together cannot be overstated. The family who sponsored Ruth’s medical school didn’t solely give financial support; they committed to a lasting relationship with her. They pray for her and want to stay connected. Witnessing their exchange of letters, phone calls, and the growth of their relationship fills my heart with joy. And how does Ruth feel about it all? L O V E D, cared for, and no longer invisible. Initially apprehensive and afraid of being hurt or abandoned, she tearfully shared with me that God answered prayers she had held for half her life through the involvement of this family with her.

Are you willing to walk this road? To get involved as God leads you?

There is profound mutual transformation awaiting if you dare to embark on this journey together.