Erika's New Relationship

I forgot to share something really important in the earlier post! Like, REALLY important!!

It appears God has done some major work in Erika since the last time I saw her. Erika has suddenly developed a relationship with God!

I noticed it first in her conversation. She referred to God several times more than usual.

(Many Hondurans refer to God, but often it's just a manner of speech without significance. That's what Erika has always done. If you ask how she is she always responds "Good, thanks to God." If you say I'll see you tomorrow people commonly answer, "God willing." It's just what you are supposed to say here.)

Today Erika said she is going to an overnight vigil Friday, and she just went to one last week. Erika never went to vigils before.

As soon as she got me alone, she was really excited to share a story with me. She said the church was teaching about spiritual gifts. Erika said wasn't sure what gifts God has given her. She believed she had none. But the person teaching said that she should pray and ask God what are her gifts. At the time, Erika wasn't hopeful.

Then Saturday, a rim from a car tire (which was inside her parents' house for some reason) fell on Marjory's foot. It was a pretty bad injury.

Erika said that night she put her hand on Marjory's foot and prayed. She said she declared that it would be healed by morning. It was!

That made Erika realize she had also prayed over her boyfriend's ankle, and God healed that as well. The next morning he walked like nothing ever happened.

Erika said when she realized she does have a gift - the gift of healing - it brought her to tears. Her boyfriend came home to find her crying. When he asked why she told him she was very grateful to be blessed with the gift of healing.

He laughed and told her, "So, you're not going to church just to show your face any more?"

Erika admitted that in the past, that's what she did. But now, she believes in God! And she knows He has given her an amazing gift.

I can't tell you how happy this makes me! This is a huge answer to prayer! Erika has a relationship with God. I also love that she is excited to share the news with me. I feel really hopeful for her future. Two babies before she reaches 18 years old is not an ideal situation. It's really tough. But Erika has made big strides. I can't wait to talk to her more about this.