Newsletter - October, 2006

The Least of These My Brethren

October, 2006

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

Milagro
A Woman Who Never Quits

Milagro Martinez is a single sister with an outstanding reputation for her zeal for the Kingdom—and as a person who doesn’t know the meaning of the word “quit.” Until three years ago, Milagro lived in Siguatepeque and is well known to the Society directors there. She has been very active in children’s ministry, particularly the Awana program, and has blessed countless others.

However, three years ago Milagro contracted a severe disease that causes her to have enormous pain in her muscles and joints. The pain is so great that Milagro cannot stand in one position for more than a minute or so. Even to sit for very long, she must sit on a pile of pillows. Not only does the disease cause her enormous pain, it also saps her energy. As a result, Milagro moved home to live with her parents in the small village of La Paz, about forty miles from Siguatepeque. Ever resourceful, Milagro supports herself in La Paz (and helps support her parents) by making greeting cards and various crafts.

Cards Milagro has made

Yet, Milagro realizes that the day will come—perhaps in a year or so—when she won’t have the strength even to make crafts. In fact, even now, the pain is so great that she cannot use a pair of scissors. Instead, she hires and supervises neighbor hood girls to do the cutting for her.

Rather than simply throwing in the towel, Milagro approached the Society of the Good Shepherd to obtain an interest-free loan to build a simple apartment to rent out. The rent from the apartment will hopefully provide for Milagro’s needs even after she is no longer able to work. Milagro’s father gave her a small plot of land—about a block from their house—on which to build the apartment.

The new apartment

This past August, Deborah and I were able to visit Milagro in La Paz and to look at the apartment your donations have helped to build. When we were there, the apartment had already been completely closed in, needing just the wiring and plumbing. A local brother, Juan Castro, has been overseeing the construction.

In the meantime, Milagro also used part of her loan to purchase supplies for her crafts, and she has been able to expand that business as well.

Hand bags made by Milagro

In Spanish, the word milagro means “miracle.” Milagro has certainly been a miracle for many, many other persons whose lives she has touched. But now Milagro is in need of a miracle of her own, that God will heal her from this disease that is slowly shutting down her ability to lead any kind of active life. Please remember her regularly in your prayers. DB