I haven’t posted in a while so I thought this would be a good time to share….
Last week I met a 16 year old girl who is homeless. She actually moves from squat to squat, depending on where the police haven’t raided. After taking her out for ice cream and meeting her again a few days later, I began puzzle together pieces of her story as to how she ended up in her situation.
Her mother is a prostitute. Her father is unknown. She has 4 brothers, all from different fathers, who have been adopted out to new families. Because of protection laws, she is not able to be in contact with them… she actually has no idea where they are or what their new names are. When I asked her why she wasn’t also adopted, she simple says that she “fell through the middle” which in English could be adapted to falling through the cracks…
Her story goes on and gets more heartbreaking by the word, but she is incredibly strong for a young girl. She is warm and open, which is surprising due to her circumstances.
Last night her and another homeless friend, ‘A‘, (which is another long story) stopped over to say hi, shower, and change clothes. While ‘A‘ was showering it gave me the opportunity to talk with her a bit more. I asked her some questions about her mother, as I know many of the prostitutes in the area from volunteering with them when I first arrived in Tel Aviv. Turns out I know her mother! Not only do I know her, but I really know her well….
…it was a surreal moment for both of us.
“It’s a small world.” she said.
Indeed, it is.
I am still pondering this entire situation… it’s a bit mind blowing.
The mother… a broken woman, prostituting herself and her children.
The daughter… a homeless teenager because of her mothers actions.
Me… trying to figure out how I can help this girl deal with the deck of cards life has given her.
Before they left we sit down and pray. We pray for their safety on the streets, for them to resist the temptations they face with drugs and getting into trouble, for her mother, for her brothers, and for all of us. As she leaves my apartment, she gives me a big hug and smile and says “thank you for everything, and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
People come into our lives for a reason, some more than others. Of this one thing I’m sure… there is a wonderful reason why she stepped into mine… and I into hers.
I pray its a heavenly one…
We will be praying for her and your continued contact with her. “I was hungry and you fed me,(Ice cream counts!!) thirsty and you gave me to drink, stranger and you invited me in (to use your shower!)… Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.”
Love you!
Mom
Sounds like a God-connection for sure! I’ll be praying for you and her. What an incredible thing the way God is using you and your ministry. Thank you for sharing.
What a heartbreaking cycle. I’ll be praying for you and for this girl and her mother as you are the hands of feet of Jesus to both of them.
Blessings!
Amy
Ah, Maureen, my heart breaks and tears fill my eyes for these women. God is truly using you to minister to His children. May He give you strength, wisdom and the spirit of revelation in the knowledge of Him, and His love in increasing measure so that you can pour it into, not only these women, but many more. Blessings….
What an awesome opportunity to speak Gods word. It’s sad so many kid’s are faced with so many problems at such a young age, thank God they found you, I’ll be praying for you and the kid’s, thanks for posting. May God bless you for the work you do for Him.
Thanks so much Maureen for being such a great example for us in sharing Christ generosity and love. You continue to be a huge blessing to these women and you are such a blessing to all of us who support you by your faithfulness and your servants heart.
Love you so much Maureen, keep up the awesome work you’re doing.
Mike
Dear Maureen,
I’m so glad you are one of the people that God brought into my life. Even though I haven’t seen you in a long time, your life still touches mine. Your story is not only important to those of you who are in it, but to the rest of us who need to be reminded why some of the people we know are in our lives and why we’re in their’s. There is always a bigger picture
Thank you and God bless you and all that God brings onto your path!
Love you, Marcia
Maureen,
Your story reminds us of how much the Lord has graciously given us. We have many, many things to be so thankful for; the first being God’s love for us to sent His Son for us. We are so proud of you for opening your heart and home to the young and old in Christ’s name; being lead by His Spirit. So exciting to hear the new adventures the Lord has for you. We will be praying for you and those the Lord sends your way. You are a blessing to many, including us!
Love, prayers and hugs,
Uncle Jim & Aunt Marilyn