For a little while, we lost contact with Carmen and Jorge. The door is always locked at the house when we visit and nobody has been answering Carmen’s phone. One day, Olga received a call from Carmen who explained what has been going on.

In our last update, things had been getting better between Jorge and Carmen. Jorge had been treating her well and even doing his part around the house. Then all of a sudden: nothing. Carmen was to begin meeting weekly with Olga for a discipleship study but then Olga couldn’t get in touch with her.

Carmen has officially and completely moved out of the house.

Jorge started drinking again and once again became violent. He threatened her life and forced her out. As previously, we had tried to help her to take legal action (the house and land are technically hers) but her other family members convinced her not to because they are afraid he could be killed in prison. She is sad and discouraged because regardless of how horrible he has been to her, he is still her son and she loves him. However, she can no longer suffer living with him. Her exact words were, “our only hope for him is in God who alone has the power to change him.” She has been staying with her daughter in the city and occasionally comes back to Villa Nueva to visit other family members.

She explained to Olga that she has also been having trouble with her telephone and sometimes where she is staying she has no reception, which is why we have not been able to get in touch with her. During her visit to Villa Nueva, Olga was able to meet with her, encourage her, and pray for her. Carmen continues to remain grateful for our love for her and all we do to try to help.

We will continue to stay in contact with Carmen and attempt to visit Jorge to check in on him. When Roselia fled to the coast, she also took Kevin and Brandon who had been staying with him, so at least we know that they are safe from his violent episodes.

Please continue to pray for Jorge and his bouts of alcoholism, that God would remove his proclivity to drink and be violent. Also for continued provision and safety and health for Carmen.