Newsletter - July, 2015
| July, 2015 Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." Matt. 25:40 Published by the Society of the Good Shepherd, P. O. Box 122, Amberson, PA 17210. (717) 349-7033 |
In Honduras it is often necessary for both parents to work just to be able to provide food, clothing and shelter for the family. Delmis Matta grew up in such a situation. Both her mother and grandmother operated businesses from their homes. Her grandmother, who was not a believer, sold tobacco from their home. In fact, her family’s house had been built specifically for that purpose—with the living quarters being upstairs. Many years ago, after the grandmother died, Delmis’ mother turned the downstairs part of the home into a pulpería (neighborhood mini-mart). So Delmis grew up watching her mother manage that small home business while raising eight children.
About 10 years ago, Delmis’s mother offered to turn the business over to Delmis. Delmis was not sure if she was up to it. However, as she started working and investing her time and effort in the business, she grew to enjoy it. Her mother continued to work alongside her and to give her great advice. Her mother also taught Delmis to be creative. For example, she (and her mother before her) offers products that no other pulperia does—like her own special cooked beans, made from a family recipe. From her mother, Delmis also learned to practice good saving habits, to care about customers, to be responsible and patient with the business, and many other things.
Sadly, in February, 2015, Delmis’ mother passed away. Now Delmis has to manage the business on her own, but she finds great comfort and strength thinking about her mother’s advice and words of encouragement. After her mother’s death, Delmis found she needed extra funds to keep the pulperia going. She told me, “I am grateful to the Lord for His mercy and for answering my prayers through the Society. There are no words to express how thankful I am… I was feeling so abandoned and downhearted, but He answered.”
Her love for the Lord is evident in everything Delmis does and says. With a big smile she talked to me about the blessings she has received through this business. Interestingly, she did not mention the income from the business as being the greatest blessing. Instead, she mainly talked to me about the opportunities she has had to share the gospel with her customers and to help out her neighbors. Nancy Barahona
The Society of the Good Shepherd, P. O. Box 122, Amberson, PA 17210 • (717) 349-7033
Click on the following link if you would care to make a donation to the work in Honduras: Donations
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