Witness to a Tragedy

A very common situation (This is not Elizabet)

Elizabet loaded up her vegitable bowl for the day, tied her one month old baby to her back and went to the market to earn a living for the family. Elizabeth married a blind man, so her husband, her three children and her husband's blind brother all depend on her and her mother-in-law for support. After she arrived at the plaza to sell veggitables, she laid her baby next to her. While he slept, she busily tended to customers; and the next thing she knew, her baby was gone.
I heard of her story at the blind mission. (A ministry that feeds the blind, and get's together weekly to talk) Through some very good connections, we were able to have the governers wife come with us to visit the family. Her and her husband are concerned about the people of Benguela and reach out to them like this frequently.
As we arrived at their house, we were devastated to find out the conditions of the homes. No electricity, no water, no furniture (except a lawn chair). I saw a chicken in the corner, and a tire in another room. Upon further investigation, we found out that the father of the stolen baby and his brother were blinded 20 years ago, when they were 5 and 6 years old (most likly from complications of the Measles). His brother is totally depressed and refuses to eat or speak, probably because ever day he sits in a dark "home" on the dirt floor, not being able to fend for himself. (pictures of his house follow)

 The brothers

I was wrong, they actually do have electricity

Oldest daughter

The families middle daughter

I know that the world is unjust, but in the United States, we don't have to see the problems. We only get to receive the blessings of being born in a rich county. We did nothing to deserve such a wonderful life, and this family did nothing to diserve such a hard life.

 The neighborhood kids

Another neighbor

Please pray for the Governed and his wife, as they attempt to make a difference. Only the Lord can lead people of influence like they have to change these kinds of problems. Pray that they can infuence other leaders in the country as well, to see what the Lord's people can do in Angola. Pray for this family, as they mourn a terrible loss, and may the Lord give them peace and comfort like only He can do.