In August 2015, I wrote about Carmen's calling to work with abused women and how she had experienced multiple delays over the past couple of years. This Godly woman whom we've known for many years was discouraged on occasion, but she never lost faith and instead of giving up, she decided to wait on God.
Knowing about the obstacles that Carmen had faced, we thought about her frequently. We visited a property with her in mind last year, but that was the wrong door and God closed it. Later, we drove through the correct gate that God opened. When Kelly and I were touring the property, we walked in one of the dorm buildings, looked at each other, and simultaneously exclaimed, "Carmen!" We knew immediately that Carmen and Evelyn would be able to conduct their new ministry in the dorm which could easily house six women and their children.
We couldn't wait to take Carmen and Evelyn to see the possible ministry location. After they saw the property, they were very encouraged and continued to pray.
Carmen and Evelyn packed everything they had and relocated to their new ministry site on March 16, 2016. They came prepared with their mission, vision, objectives, rules, forms, daily schedule, activities schedule, and a four beds. Now they are getting organized in their new space, becoming familiar with the property, and helping with Sunday worship.
Hogar Manantial de Esperanza (Fountain of Hope), the name that Carmen and Evelyn chose, is a home born in the heart of God, to convey love and hope, and to provide opportunities for adult women in social risk who are abused or who are involved in prostitution, so that their lives are transformed through a process of restoration and the power of Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
Carmen will supervise the ministry and will use her gifts to focus on the spiritual aspects of the ministry by leading daily devotions and prayer time. Evelyn, her daughter, who graduated with a psychology degree in 2014, will conduct psychological evaluations and meet with the women individually as well as in group therapy.
We're thrilled that God provided a place for Carmen and Evelyn to do what He has called them to do. We would love to have females to come help them spruce-up the interior walls of their courtyard with decorative murals and Bible scriptures as well as durable outdoor seating. We would also love for the women to have a comfy living room area with non-traditional furniture that we could make out of crates or concrete blocks.
Individuals or small groups of women are also needed to help teach art, baking, canning, crafts, exercise routines, gardening, jewelry design, and sewing.
Below is a panoramic shot of the interior space. There are eight wooden doors in the courtyard area that lead into seven bedrooms and one living room space. There are 3 showers, 3 toilets, and 6 sinks in 3 different bathrooms. There is also a large covered laundry area past the metal gate on the right.
Carmen said, "Estamos aquí en el ministerio por el amor. Sabemos que necesitamos la fe para mantener nuestra esperanza en que Dios va a proveer." (We are here in the ministry for love. We know that we need faith to maintain our hope that God will provide.)
Needs List:
4 Mattresses - $50 each
3 Heavy Duty Shower Curtains
4 Sets of Sheets (fitted & top sheet with pillow case)
4-8 Blankets
4 Pillows
First Aid Kit stocked with OTC's such as Ibuprofen, Diphenhydramine, etc.
Lice Shampoo
Feminine Hygiene Products
Shampoo & Conditioner
Towels
Wash Cloths
Nail Clippers
Deodorant
Brushes
Razors
Body Soap
Body Lotion
Toothpaste
Lip moisturizer
Flip flops for shower
Women's clothes (all sizes)
Children's clothes (all sizes)
Tennis shoes (all sizes)