picture gallery > Inauguration of Houses in Pajigua: Uncountable Blessings (9)
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Hazardous Homes
In 2011, the community association and church leaders in Pajigua conducted a census and identified over 75 families in desperate need of secure housing. Most of the existing houses were made of tin, plastic, mud, sticks, and adobe and constantly threatened the safety and health of their inhabitants.
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A Surprise for Teodolinda
Teodolinda Santos’ house served as the location for the dedication. The housing committee chose her to speak on behalf of all beneficiaries. She opened her heart, saying:
"I was walking to my garden when I said, ‘If only God would give me a house ... but it is impossible because I am a bad person.’ But one day, while grinding corn, the group responsible to oversee the housing project, including the ENLACE church coach, Don Toño (President of the Housing Committe), and Rosita (Church leader) came to tell me I was going to receive a home. I did not believe them because sometimes, even when the Lord is the one putting things in front of us, we do not believe it. It was a wonderful gift that I never imagined I would receive. " -
An Unexpected Blessing
The housing committee chairman, Antonio Santos, said that despite not receiving a home, he received a miracle from God while working on the project, "The gift the Lord has given me through the project has been much bigger [than a home] because my wife regained her health."
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God Cares for His People
Gerson Ramirez, ENLACE Church Coach Coordinator, said that these homes are a wonderful miracle of the Lord. Citing Isaiah 42:16, Gerson encouraged the beneficiaries and the community to remember that God is actively watching over them.
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Improved Health
Beneficiary Matilde Alvarez represented his mother Maria Felix, 84, during the ribbon cutting. For the last five years, Maria has suffered from chronic respiratory problems. Every rainy season her health worsened as her home became more and more saturated with water. Now, living in their new home, they are grateful and full of hope that the coming years will provide a better quality of life than they've ever had.
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Prayed a blessing
Pastor Victorio Paz, from Abelines, prayed a blessing over each of the families receiving homes. In addition, he thanked those who traveled great distances to meet the needs of these families--people such as ENLACE advocate Bill Manwarren, who saw a need and took action.
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Make a Joyful Noise
The Lluvia de Bendición ministry shared their musical talents at the celebration. They praised God for his outpouring of mercy and grace upon the community of Pajigua.
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Miraculous Healing
Corina Santos is the wife of Don Antonio, the president of the Housing Committee. At first she wasn't that excited about being involved. "I (already) have a house," she said." But as the project went forward she felt that God gave her one of the greatest miracles she could ever want: a healthy body. That became her "house" or gift from God. "I [became] the greatest beneficiary of all...God used this project as a way for me to get the 'best house.' I will never be tired of telling the Lord, ‘Thank you for healing me.’”
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Dedicated Leadership
During the celebration local leaders were acknowledged for their tireless work. One such leader, Rosita Membreño, a member of Getsemani Church, said that although the work is tough, it is worthwhile because she has been able to build better and stronger relationships with her community and show love to the needy.