Only God Knows

When I am nudged to do something "good" for someone, I ask God to be sure it is in His will. In doing good, often there is harm that comes.

A recent example: Last year I housed a family of 6 for a few months. The husband had attempted to start a Christian vocational training school, which I had supported by being on the Board and with energy, time and cash. The school offered training and practical experience in welding at no cost to students. By last June the school did not have enough contracts to sustain it and the Board opted to suspend the school for a time.
During the time the family lived here, Jane, the wife/mother, became a Christian and attended the church where I attend. A week before I left for the States, I learned that the visionary had created a new family with one of the female students and just become the father of twins. When I had learned of his infidelity we talked and I told him he had to resign from being the school Principal and that he really needed to talk with the Church elders and gain wisdom. He did that, and told his wife the same day. He was very upset about every one having opinions about what he considered his business.

When I returned in August the family had shifted to the former school rooms. While he was seldom around, she continued to bring the kids to church. Jane reminded me that I had promised to pay for the next term of school fees for the 2 oldest kids, which I did. Because Charles had become very angry towards me, I was hesitant to pay the fees. Only after there had been conversations with Jane by others who spoke the local language did I pay the fees. The husband was not happy about it, but allowed it to happen since he wasn't working and couldn't afford it.

Later I heard that he left Jane and the kids, and either went to work in another country or moved in with the new wife or whatever. In January Jane asked me again for school fees, but I declined. She began praying for help, and God troubled my heart during my prayer times. After a few weeks, I relented and covered the school fees for all 3 of the big kids (ages 5, 7, 8).

She had little money for food or anything. But she wanted to work and had previously had a small business. So I helped her to purchase a small refrigerator (apartment size) to begin her business plan of selling cold water, juice and sodas to laborers near her home. She had a good plan and wanted to support herself and the kids.

Last weekend, the husband showed up, saw the frig and business items and accused her of having a boyfriend and beat her. He removed the frig, claiming that he did not believe that "Maggie" had helped her and he would find the truth of it. Jane was devastated and came to church for prayer and ideas.

I went to see her Monday at her home. She will leave with the kids and go to his village as soon as the school term is finished this month. She has to be somewhere safe, where she can support the kids by growing food or selling small items or ??? The only place she can go, culturally, is his village. The family there has to take her and the kids in.

I know God wants only good for her and the kids, but only God knows the right next step for her to take....and for me to help/not help. I just learned today that Charles knew before he went to her that I had been the one helping. But he is so angry that I am involved at all with his family, that he found excuses to be upset with her.

Please pray for each one as we seek God's will and desires in all of this.