Çiğdem

My very poorest friend had her coal stove stolen a few weeks ago. They use them to heat their homes, and in the spring when it finally warms up, the women take the stoves outside and clean them thoroughly. Then they clean their homes like crazy (or even repaint the entire place if they can afford to) because the coal dust makes such a mess all winter long.

So, My friend took hers out, cleaned it, and chained it under the apartment stairs. One night the gypsies came through her neighborhood and stole everything in sight... including her stove. It is a tragedy because my friend is dirt poor. She can't even afford the coal to put in the stove. Usually she burns cardboard and scrap paper from work (she works in our office) and trash in her stove. She works three jobs because her husband refuses to work. He is abusive to her and her two boys, but she cannot divorce him because men have all the rights. He would automatically have custody of the boys, and no doubt make them quit school and work to support his lazy selfish ways. It is a terrible situation.

Slowly we have been reading the Bible with her and trying to make sure that she understands that the reason we act the way we do (loving, helpful, etc.) is because we are Christ followers, not because we are foreigners.

When I first met her, she was seriously trying to figure out a plan to kill her husband! She figured that even though she'd go to jail the boys would be in state custody and all three of them would be out from under the harsh reign of her husband. Now, things are getting better. She has grown in hope and faith. Her smile is genuine, and she is making the best of her situation. God is faithful and we are praying for a breakthrough in faith for her. Would you join us?