Transformation

HEART //

Tia Ana grew up in San Salvador, which is the capital of El Salvador, in Central America. She wasn’t always a “Tia” (aunt). As a girl, she was a victim of violent abuse that made her feel worthless. This abuse ripped away her dreams and left her with few options for survival. She was kicked out of her home and turned to work within an industry that used and continued to abuse her, because it was the only way she could make a living. She smiled on the outside but inside, she was hopeless, abandoned and felt unloved. Until, that is, she discovered the love of Christ. The truth about Ana is that she was abandoned by her family, but she was never unloved. She was a daughter of the living God and he wanted to rescue her. Tia Ana was miraculously transformed. 

She turned her back on her old lifestyle, finding a new way to love and be loved. It’s never easy to change old habits, but she submitted her heart to God and she was being healed! 

But she still had many friends working in prostitution, selling themselves and being abused, and she wanted to provide a place for their children to experience love, safety, and stability. Nearly 20 years ago Tia Ana opened up her home. Today, Tia Ana cares for nearly twenty-five children, from birth through high school. She lovingly provides for them in any way she can, even with the continued challenges of limited funds, a very small home, and endless need. It would be really easy for Tia Ana to say “I can’t help - I don’t have enough resources” or to simply struggle with trusting people enough to live in community. But she overcomes those temptations, joyfully spending herself for her adopted children and inviting others to join her!

Tia Ana has experienced the transforming love of God in her own life, so she knows the power of God’s love to heal and to provide. Will you join her in trusting God to provide for your needs (both emotionally and physically) as you help provide for the needs of those around you? 

WORK //

Tia Ana’s story connects us to the reality many people in our world face, abused, alone and taken advantage of, with no one to speak love over them. Mother Teresa once charged the people of God to, “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better. Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.” Today you may not be able to reach out to an orphaned or abused child, but think of kindness as you greet every single person. Greet your family, teachers, friends, and even strangers with intentional warmth, even if it feels different, even if they don’t deserve it. 

Who are the people in your life who are most difficult for you to love? Maybe because you have been hurt by them, don’t trust them, or you feel intimidated by them. Pray that God would help you to love them the way He does!