 |
Mexican Evangelism | Favorite Sites | Hill-Billy Preacher | Prayer Request |
 |
| Messages | Salvation | Home | Children |
It was a about a year and half ago that Juan hit his forehead in a small bathroom. It wasn't long until his eyesight begin to grow worse. The optometrist's advice was for him to use drops daily to clear the blood from his eyes. When the eyes improved the optometrist planned to cauterize the veins with laser, at the back of the eye to stop the bleeding . . At times his vision would improve only to deteriorate again. .
After a prolonged treatment of the drops in each eye, it was clear that his eyesight was not improving. Many prayers went up for him but nothing seemed to be working. In August of 2000 Juan, with his wife, made a visit to some of the churches that were supporting his ministry in Mexico. It was planned for them to fly. It was their first and probably their last experience in flying. All went well on their journey to the states until they begin their flight home. While in the air his vision completely left him. He was blind in both eyes and had to be led by his wife Magda everywhere he went
Upon returning to his home in Celaya, Mexico, he was advised by the doctor to use a different medicine, much stronger than before. For two months - faithfully his wife placed the drops in his eyes as the doctor had ordered. After two months of this expensive treatment, there was no improvement. He was revered to a more knowledgeable specialist who not only could use the laser treatment effectively but had the ability to operate on his eyes. This procedure would allow the blood to be removed that obscured the vision and permit the use of the laser.
There was only one problem ... money. It would be $4000.00 for the price of his vision. The lack thereof (the money) meant that Juan would be blind the rest of his life. I could not let my friend suffer that consequence, if there was any chance that he might see, even if only a small portion of his vision could be restored. "What are you going to do," my wife asked. "I am going to borrow the money and we will pay it back as we can.". Our mission fund was depleted and we were looking for God to bless - that our Seven ministers in Mexico, might receive their monthly salaries. "But you already owe a lot of money," was the Misses' reply. "What else can I do," I answered, ." I can't let him be blind for life." Juan offered to pay me $100.00 each month until the debt was satisfied. Thus our course was set. This was to be our plan of action. We had it all figured out. Juan would get his surgery and the doctor would be paid in advance for his services. But God had a better plan. That next day one of the missionaries from the states called and informed us that he was putting out an emergency appeal on Juan's behalf. Steve Keim immediately place an S.O.S. appeal to his e-mail supporters. Within two days Steve was at Juan's door with over $1700 dollars. I wrote the amount of his gift on a piece of paper, and the purpose of the gift and signed my name. Juan had the money for the operation on his first eye. The Lord seemed to be working even before we asked.
I sent out appeal by mail to our supporters asking for their help. Before the appeal was placed in the mail, something beautiful took place at the small congregation where Juan served. It was announced that there was the possibility that Juan could see with the proper surgery. One of the sisters stood up and challenged the congregation to give generously.
Now this is not your average American church. This is Mexico - where many of the people live in poverty . Some live on less than $200.00 a month. Beans and Tortillas if they stretch it, every day. This is not true all but of many. The people begin to make their pledges. To our astonishment over $!!000 pesos was promised. This is about $1200.00 dollars. There was an outpouring of love by the congregation for their preacher of many years. It didn't matter that I was there. Traditionally the preachers had depended on our mission program for support. But now a giant step was being taken by these precious folks.. They loved their preacher and wanted to be a part of his regaining his eyesight. They did a lot of growing up spiritually that day. You see if you truly love someone nobody can take your place in showing that love when it is called for.
The next week he walked into the church without being led. He approached the pulpit and announced that he could see. Not only could he see as a result of the first operation, but the bill was already paid in full and the money was waiting for the second surgery. There was great rejoicing that day and needless to say a blessing has and is being poured out on these people who live the in heart of Mexico..
No Juan doesn't see clearly. He can't read from a book. But everyday he sees a little bit better. He anxiously awaits the surgery on the second eye. But if Juan gained no more than the eyesight he has, great has been the blessings of his experience. He has seen first hand - God working in his life. He has felt the love of the people he has served. Few ever feel what Juan now knows. He is loved by God, his congregation and many others who have reached out to help in Juan's time of need. I thank God that I played just a small part in what my eyes observed. And all the people say it, " Amen and again Amen"
[As [Jesus] went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. John 9: 1-3 NIV]
Another $1000.00 has been donated to this special need. Juan's surgery for both eyes is paid for, thanks to those who showed compassion on my brother, Juan Avina. All praise to God the Father for he cares for His children.