Just a quick note to let you know that Juan left this morning.  I talked with him for quite a while last night, as did Isabel and our other volunteer Maribel.  It’s a sad thing for sure, but he left knowing that we still care for him and want to help him.  He was calm and thoughtful as we talked and prayed together last night.

Please continue to pray for Juan.  He’s a good kid.  He’s just not making good choices right now.  He desperately needs to be set free from his past.  He needs to learn that healing for his pain is not going to be found anywhere other than in Christ.

He’s planning on coming to church with us on Sunday, so that’s good.  I talked to the guys for a long time about how we can be an encouragement to him.  Some of the guys here weren’t very gracious to him earlier in the month.  They knew (before I did) what was going on in Juan’s life, and instead of coming alongside him as brothers…they hassled him and said some kind of harsh things.  I had to take them to task about that, but in the end, it was a good learning experience for all of us. 

One of the guys here is especially black and white.  He holds himself to a fairly graceless standard, and then ends up applying that same standard to others.  We talked a lot about how to be firm in our convictions but still have compassion for people who are struggling.  Hopefully it helped him.  He’s never had anyone in his life show him much grace, so it’s hard for him to understand.

At any rate, I can see God and work using this situation to deepen and teach us.  And the ministry continues here.  As Juan leaves, I have two more guys moving in next week.  Possibly a third, but I have to think and pray a bit more about that situation.

Other good news is that both Juan and Franz passed the entrance exam to get into university.  That’s a huge thing.  Literally hundreds of other students didn’t.  They’ve been taking classes for the past few months to prepare for the exam, and we hired a tutor to help them.  I was there when they found out, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen them quite that excited or happy.  

A couple of other things quickly.  My back is still bothering me.  I’ve been on bed-rest (more or less) for nearly a month now.  Certainly I’m better than I was, but it feels like I’ve hit a plateau and nothing much is changing now.  It’s pretty frustrating.  So I would appreciate prayer for that.

As well, Jorge is home and doing well.  I haven’t seen him yet, but I plan to go over to his house sometime soon and see how things are going.  Thanks again to all of you who prayed and gave.  It’s really a miracle that he’s with us and recovering so well.  Thanks for being a part of that.  

And thanks again for praying.  We all appreciate it!  =)