Tonight, I held a baby in a bar. This was the second time it happened. The first time was during our second visit to one of the bars and a 19-year old lady we got to know gave birth to a baby boy. But this was different. Because for the first time during this trip while I was holding this baby girl, tears started welling down my face.
Tonight’s schedule was to visit the prostitutes and beforehand, we made cards and bought chocolates to give to the women. We’ve been trying to go to the same bars and minister to the women we met the past times we’ve visited.
The last time we went to this particular bar was during the morning and the women working at the time gave us some bachata lessons! Bachata is a form of Spanish dance where you move from side to side. It was sooo much fun! One of the women was Sandra and if I can remember, she was all covered with make-up and was wearing skimpy clothes. But her aura was not the outspoken type. Although she responded to questions, she was just constantly smiling. Sandra is probably in her 40s and talked about her family but did not speak about her grand daughter. Her husband is currently in jail and is hoping to get out in December. Sandra cannot wait for that time where her husband gets out so she can quit her job. It’s the only reason why she’s working at a bar. She has 3 children to take care of and a grand daughter who needs desperate care.
So it was really amazing to see her face again tonight! It had probably been more than a month since we last saw each other but she remembered my face. The bar was empty except for her and another woman. We sat with them and started chatting. Her face lit up as soon as I gave her our gifts but you can tell in her expression that she’s exhausted. I looked at her and I saw a face of a woman, who’s tired of life and wanting to give up on all possibilities and hope. She told me that she’s not sure anymore if her husband’s getting out this December or later. The other woman whom we met the same time we met Sandra went to a state of depression and sought after alcohol and drugs. Now she’s an addict and can’t work any longer.
The first time I met Sandra, she was reserved, but she kept going on and talked about her 3-month old grand daughter who has a tumor on her back close to her buttocks. She needs surgery and has to be taken to Guatemala City to be seen by specialized doctors. All of a sudden, her son showed up and he commanded him to bring the baby over.
I know you think it’s crazy to have innocent little kids be in this kind of surroundings but this is the reality in Puerto Barrios. A few minutes later, her family came in and they were Sandra’s 2 daughters and her grand daughter, Cristina. The youngest daughter, Diana is only 8 and is already brought up to an environment where her mother works in a bar serving men. She was so beautiful and polite.
We told Sandra we want to pray for little Cristina and her mom willingly let me hold her. And before a word is spoken in my mouth, I can feel my cheeks damped in tears. As I held this precious child, I felt the Holy Spirit wanting to pour His spirit to her. My heart was overwhelmed because I felt an assurance of healing that’s going to take place in Cristina’s life. Tracey and Jordan who were praying with me sensed the Spirit as well and pressed on with heartfelt praise and adoration to God, our Healer.
After praying for them, our group stood outside the bar and decided to pray over the place. It was so evident that God wants to have His sure foundation in the four corners of that filthy bar.
And this just reminds me of the sweet story of our Jesus Christ. He was born not in a castle but in a manger. He grew up despised by men. But He is the Savior for us all.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!
Luke 2: 11- 14
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