Some people are heroes, not for doing great and noble acts,
but for doing with grace and
perseverance the ones that reek of “unfair” and “why me." Tim and Dena Stromstad, founders of Homes of Life ministries in
Guatemala and Costa Rica, are this kind of hero in my eyes.
Twice, in the past four years, burglars have broken into
the seven-acre compound that houses the staff and children of Hogar de Vida, a
home for abandoned and abused children in Costa Rica. In 2008, thieves cut
through the living fence of dense trees and cane, killed the dogs and stole
Tim’s ATV.
Plans for installing expensive security cameras, guard dogs,
and a concrete wall were initiated, and as donations permitted, the north side
of the property was secured. Still, thousands of dollars short left three sides
vulnerable.
Last fall, the lowest of lows, the people who couldn’t care
less that the Stromstads were providing for neglected children or that Tim was
paralyzed and dependent on his ATV quad for his “legs,” broke in again while
the family was away. They stole his ATV, computers, and daughter’s jug of
savings, among other things, to the tune of $10,000 worth.
People get burglarized all the time and missionaries are no
exception, in fact, they are often the target. If anyone has a “right” to
complain to God about how unfair it is to have this happen when all they are trying
to do is serve Him, they would.
But they don’t. Entitlement
isn’t a word in their life vocabulary. Although at times hurt, discouraged, and
confounded, they don’t blame God, government, or parents for failing them. They
are who Dr. Henry Cloud calls the mature people. “They meet the demands of life”
as opposed to the immature who “ask that life meet their demands.”
Recently I received a Christmas letter from Tim and Dena. It
was full of news of children and blessings—daughter Maria’s long-awaited citizenship,
the boys’ well-being at college, family stuff. No mention of trials or difficulties
or sacrifice.
That stopped me. Reminded me that these uncomplaining workers are the ones who
really need others to come alongside.To help shoulder the task assigned.
Too easily I fall into the “when I’m not near the one I
love, I love the one I’m near,” mentality, or I forget about the ones who are quietly working without complaint.
But today, I remember and salute these generous
people and make mention of them to you for prayer, or support, or a visit….
In Tim’s words:
Sometimes I feel like Nehemiah who had an urgent need to
build a wall. He had a good bunch of guys who worked with a trowel in one hand
(cooperation) and a sword in the other (protection and unity.) Our wall is a
major project for us, too. We need your prayers, for finalizing the plans and
for the financial resources to complete it. If the Lord leads, we would welcome
generous contributions designated to Costa Rica Security
My prayer today is for someone in another country, far from friends and family. I ask the Lord to encourage with a surprise visit from someone bearing good news, a gift of God's love and awareness. You are not forgotten.
Photo credit: Kozzi http://www.kozzi.com/stock-photo-24746779-modern-stone-brick-wall.html?tag=27336&tags=27336,225,157#
Thank you for sharing this, Marcia. It's both encouraging and convicting. I will be praying for this precious family. Keep us posted on their progress!
ReplyDeleteWow, Marcia - that makes me mad! What a remarkable attitude Tim & Dena have. I enjoyed hearing about them in your book. Praying for their ministry and that God will continue to bless them in CR.
ReplyDelete