He hasn't had the easiest of lives. Actually, who am I kidding, I bet 95% of the people reading this haven't had to go through close to what he has experienced.
Carlos was actually born as José Luis, but we didn't discover that until last year. If I remember right, his mother died when he was really young which left him in the care of his drunken father. His "father" was naturally more concerned about his next drink, so Carlos was left to himself a lot. As a little tyke, he was found on the streets by government officials who eventually transferred him to Hogar Torre Fuerte (Strong Tower Children's Home) without much knowledge of his real father and mother (both of whom have died by now).
Of course, being an orphan is extraordinarily difficult for anyone, but doubly so for a deaf child like Carlos. At the children's home, he was given food, clothing, and shelter, but he often found it difficult to communicate with anyone. With the exception of a few people who took extra time to learn sign language, he had few friends who could understand all of what he tried to say. This coupled with Carlos' extreme stubbornness and issues with deceitfulness, made life very difficult for both him and his caretakers.
During the week, Carlos was able to come to the deaf school where there were other deaf children like him, but here too, people (myself included) often weren't sure how to deal with him. As an orphan, Carlos had learned to fend for himself, and so it was a constant struggle to submit his will to others.
At the end of last year at the age of 16, Carlos decided to leave the children's home, so he packed his things and said goodbye. Unfortunately for Carlos, because of his decision to leave the children's home, he was then not permitted to come to the deaf school, either. While I would have treated Carlos' situation differently, I think God has used Carlos' time out of school to help him appreciate more what all he has been blessed with.
During his time on the streets (again), he has often had to sleep under the stars or in the rain. He has made enemies, been beat up and nearly killed by people he angered, and generally had a rough life. But since school started, he has started coming around more to CICS and even to church. He isn't allowed to come to CICS whenever, but he usually comes around Thursdays to chat and ride unicycles.
I have always tried to show him love no matter what anyone else says or does by shaking his hand and putting my arm around him whenever I get the chance.
Anyway, these last months have shown a changed Carlos. The anger is gone, replaced by a constant smile. He has come around numerous times now and has never taken so much as a penny as far as I can tell. He always listens to and respects the people here. He attends church pretty faithfully, Wednesdays included.
Last Sunday evening, he came to church when we had singing and testimony time. For his testimony he expressed a desire to follow God and to grow in his spiritual life. He has said that before many times, but I believe he meant it this time.
Later, someone asked Carlos if he wanted to give his life to Christ and he acknowledged that he did! A small group of us went somewhere private and talked to him for a while about what that means. He confessed the things he had done in the past and asked God for forgiveness. He told God he would give his whole life to him.
All told, it was not a huge, emotional affair and we didn't hear angels singing or anything like that. And I admit I doubted that it was genuine this time and that he really understood what it all meant. (God help my unbelief!) But I believe it was real and I believe God and his angels were rejoicing. Many, many people have prayed and are praying for Carlos, and I believe this is the first step for him. Numerous prayers have been answered, and I pray that many more will come to fruition.
So please pray for this teenager. Pray that God would reveal Himself to Carlos in a powerful way. Pray that God would provide us with wisdom so that we could help and encourage Carlos. Pray that God would protect Carlos from all the evil all around him.
May we meet in heaven someday...
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