Prayer Warriors,
Yesterday, a mother of two kids I know, passed away. It is unknown as to what caused her passing--apparently she just stopped breathing in the middle of the day--but it has been a sad day around the community. This woman herself was very young, from my understanding she was in her early 40s, but her family situation is a bit complicated. She is the youngest of seven kids, in which her brother is in jail for life. Her brother left four young kids behind in which Grandma has to raise--who is already raising other grandchildren. And now, Rosa and Top (the two kids of the woman who died) whom also lost their father many years ago are now orphans. It is a very difficult situation. the family structure is a bit complicated, but from my understanding Grandma is now the sole care-taker of at least 8 grandkids. Did I also mention Grandma is completely blind? Please PRAY for this family, that the Lord will make Himself known and comfort them through this difficult situation.
Tonight, as I was cooking, I heard screams of anguish. As the youth (whom were cooking spaghetti with me) ran to see what happened, we saw many people--at least 30--huddled around someone screaming and crying. The youth decided to check out why everyone was surrounding this woman and I ended up staying away but prayed from a distance. It was then said that the woman crying was the older sister of Rosa's mother who passed away--and she was possessed with the mother's dead spirit. I didn't understand what was happening, but I prayed for the family and for the Holy Spirit to intercede. I ask that you join me in praying for the sister (whom was said to be possessed), that if any evil spirit is living inside of her, she will have freedom in the name of Jesus. Please pray for the whole family that during this difficult time, they may be comforted and loved by our Father in Heaven. He hears their cries and knows their needs. May He provide.
About 30 minutes later, I saw Rosa walking and she looked so sad. I approached her and told her that I am praying and if she needs anything that she can come to me. Then I asked her if I could pray right then and she quickly agreed. I was thankful for that moment and even asked her if I can give her a hug (which is very unusual in Thai culture) but quickly came in my arms and I just held her for a second. Rosa is only 13 years old but she acts much older for her age, especially because she is one of the oldest living with Grandma. Please pray for this sweet girl and her younger brother Top (who is only 9 years old).
As I was with Rosa, her Grandmother was walking up the stairs followed by all the grandkids. I overheard a conversation she was having with a group of woman who live in the community as well. Grandma admitted not being able to eat for over 6 days. Although I did not want to ask why during this time of mourning, I assume it is due to money problems. Please pray that God will provide money, love, and any needs to Grandma and all of the grandkids.
This is also a very minor prayer request in comparison to this families' needs, but I wanted to ask for some personal prayer. Next week, monday thru thursday, I will be leaving on a organizational retreat with my Servant Partners team. It will be our last retreat and our main focus is discernment. Please pray that God will encounter all of us during this retreat and lead us towards making decisions for after July (when our commitment officially ends). Especially please pray that God will answer my constant prayers for whether or not I should pursue graduate school in August or if God is calling me elsewhere. I desperately need to make a decision by this month because Washington University in St. Louis's deadline is fast approaching.
Thank you so much for you prayers and support! If you have any questions, please feel free to email or facebook message me.
With so much love,
Sarah