CASA ADALIA -- Be strong in the Lord!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 6:10-12

 

Last Thursday, during an extended Casa Adalia meeting, we were informed that there are currently  53 girls under the age of 18 who have been rescued from the sex trade and have been placed in a juvenile jail, not for any crime they committed, but because there is nowhere to send them.  These girls are caught in a seeming political conflict that is not likely to be resolved anytime soon.

Desi said quietly to me, “I know we said we will only take six girls to start with, but I think we should take more. “

I understood the reason behind her comment.  The tremendous need of these girls weighed heavy on me.  And as I listened to the people gathered in the circle debate about how we might best work together to open a house for the girls, the weight of responsibility as team leader, the complexity of legalities, and the amount of work still ahead overwhelmed me.  I thought to myself, “I can’t do this.“  I felt like Moses who told God, “O Lord, please send someone else.”

Well, it is true.  I can’t.  We can’t.  YET, GOD CAN!  He graciously reminds me that He is able and mighty.  He continues to give me and our team faith to press forward.  Although the enemy tries to discourage us, we are standing firm in God’s power and grace.

God is building a formidable team equipped and ready to take on the challenges that will come with providing an aftercare home for these precious girls.  We have added two new team members who are dynamite additions.  Neila Roman is an Ecuadorian Christian counselor with a passion for sharing Jesus and reaching the marginalized.  She is joining our team fulltime the end of this month.  Kathryn Kieft is a fulltime missionary with Youth World International.  She has been serving as administrator for Youth World’s short-term team department and is excited that God has opened the door to also join the Casa Adalia team and serve in an area of her heart’s passion. 

Two other Ecuadorian women, one a Christian social worker and the other a lawyer, are in the process of figuring out logistical details for how they can work with our team through their foundation.  They also bring professional expertise and personal experience in working with girls who have been trafficked in the sex trade.  Please pray for wisdom in this process and for our growing team to quickly develop in relationship and working well together.

Over the past few weeks we have been experiencing a spiritual battle as we press on with opening a house for the girls.  But where there is a battle, there is victory.  Please pray we would be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Pray that we would be diligent to put on the full armor of God and stand firm.  Thank you so much for rallying with us in prayer!

For His glory in Ecuador,
Debbie Douce
Team Leader ESME – Casa Adalia

Due to security reasons, we cannot show pictures of the girls' faces.  This shot gives you a glimpse, however, of some of the girls we have ministered to.  God who created each one for His glory sees each face.