Sept 8, 2009
El Refugio: The Summer at El Refugio
Though we were in Wisconsin this summer, the shelter was kept open for business. Unfortunately, the scarred lives of some of the ladies that entered El Refugio couldn’t be healed. The stories continue to be extremely sad and victory in their lives elusive. Karla and Pamela experienced some of the toughest and saddest ladies since our opening. A few of the ladies had larger needs than what we could offer. The mental and spiritual damage to some of the ladies was unfortunately irreversible. One of the ladies was referred to the Psych ward at the government hospital, and three others returned to their abusive boyfriends/husbands. It was a very difficult time for both Karla and Pamela who have been blessed with some wonderful victories in the past.
1) Velvit a volunteer who taught the ladies how
to make chocolate bonbons.
2) Velvit a volunteer who taught the ladies how to make chocolate bonbons.
3) bonbons, the result of their labor
Through it all, we believe God is working to help women flee their abusive lives. One of our former ladies returned last week. She had the opportunity to reconcile her life with her family some months ago and she had moved ahead with a lot of support from her mother. Last week the father of her son returned, wanting to take his son from her. She sought our help and protection. She is now at El Refugio with hopes of returning to her mother’s home within the month.
4) A few of the ladies with their children who were given shelter
4) A few of the ladies with their children who were given shelter
During the summer, El Refugio was blessed by a visit from Velvit. She is a believer from Mega Frater, a larger evangelical church nearby. She gave the ladies in the shelter a lesson in making chocolate bonbons. I heard that everyone there enjoyed the results of their labor. We continue to give thanks to all the volunteers that come through our doors to love and bless those inside.
5) A few of the ladies with their children who were given shelter
We covet your prayers in this area of our ministry. We desire to celebrate victory with every single woman that walks through our door. We continue to pray that we can share the love of Christ with them. Our deepest wish is to give them a hope for their future and the future of their children. Please pray about how you might become more involved with El Refugio. We need you!
In His Service,
Mike and Chris
