About a year ago a family (let's call them the Wild's) moved into the trailer park. Mr. Wild and Mrs. Wild's would come out to the church gatherings we would have. It was really nice to have met them. It was funny because Mr. Wild did not have long pants and it was very cool at this time. So he would listen to the Sunday gathering from his trailer with the window lifted. Phil and Mr. Wild would often have conversations back and forth to make sure he felt as much apart of the fellowship as those sitting right there. Mrs. Wild and their son little Wild would physically join the group. Again it was our delight and pleasure to help and serve them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as well as some physical needs (food, clothes, conversation etc.).
Mrs. Wild began attending the women's bible study on Tuesday afternoons. She was really interested and excited to learn about the Lord. I felt like she was eating it up. Then she fall ill. She was placed in hospital care for about a month. While she was there the only person to visit her was my husband. She was so grateful. Then she came home and things seemed odd. Mr. Wild was into drugs and things of that nature. Mrs. Wild was strange in behavior. Phil and I picked that there was physical abuse taking place. So we prayed and waited for the Lord to lead us. Then Mrs. Wild called me over to another trailer to talk. She was hiding out from her husband. She wanted help but was very afraid. I suggested the woman's shelter here in town and gave her the information she needed to get that taken care of. For her protection as well as her sons. There was verbal and much physical abuse toward both of them. Neighbors who helped were fearful of their safety in this situation.
After about a week. I don't see her and I made contact with the shelter and find that she is there. She calls me, we talk, it is going well for her there. We attempted to get together and have her come to "Friday Morning Coffee" but that never worked out. Time passes and I find from the director that she found a place and is moving out. Both the shelter director and I were concerned that this was not the best move for her. However, she was following all the move out rules. Again about a week passes and I see her in the trailer park with Mr. Wild. WHAT?! I was at a complete loss. To top it off Mr. Wild is acting a pure fool about how we took his wife and put her in the woman's shelter. So here begins my personal struggle with the flesh and the spirit.
This couple now ignores our very existence. I have spoken to both of them together and individually and they both would look me in the face and not say a word! REALLY? Okay. So I thought she is in a prison controlled by Mr. Wild and I will back away and simply pray for this family. Let's add a little more light to this subject. If the church would have a feeding they would show up, only for the food part. They would also speak to me then, but not any other time. Again my thoughts are REALLY!?!? FAST FORWARD!
This past weekend was the medical outreach and regular Sunday gathering. Phil knocked on their door and invited them to the medical outreach. They came out with great excitement. Mr. Wild was talking to Phil and saying I am so glad you are here and really glad you got that trailer....(PAUSE)
The day I got the keys for the trailer Mr. Wild started talking all crazy towards me, "You are going to hear from me! That trailer is mine and you can't have it. I'm going to raise hell about that!" HUMMMMMMMMM! Lord seriously what is going on? Now we knew he had no rights to the trailer. He was talking loud about nothing, so I ignored him with a smile. (Okay press PLAY)
It seemed that things may be getting better. Maybe the Lord was healing some wounds and things were looking good for them. So Mrs. Wild walks over and joins us for Sunday gathering. Now I am a little shocked but I was also excited to see what the Lord was doing. She stayed the whole time and then at the end of our time together Phil partnered individuals to pray for our families.
He came from Mark 6:14-29 highlighting our sin effects not only us but our whole family. So as a conclusion we were to pray for each others families. It just so happened that I was partnered with Mrs. Wild. So I prayed for her family and she prayed for mine.
Then Mr. Wild came outside. He walked right up to her and said, "You need to come inside. Your phone has been ringing and this is a waste of time. You don't need to be brainwashed by these people!" REALLY! So she sits with me for a few seconds more. Then he yells to her again from his trailer. As he is yelling for her to come, I look directly at him or rather into the spirit that is at work in him. I said nothing out loud but very clearly stand my ground in the authority and power of Jesus Christ. Then he says "I don't like her!" repeatedly. Mrs. Wild was in the home being abused verbally because she came to gather with the saints for worship. Mr. Wild then began to call us all kinds of things other than children of God. Now some were un-nerved and shocked. Most were unaware of what was taking place. My husband, Mr. and Mrs. Wild and one lady from the church and I were the only ones aware of this situation. I praise God for that. However I would ask that you would sincerely pray for Mrs. Wild. That she would be set free, and that Mr. Wild would receive Christ as Savior!
Now that you have the story. I ask myself is this a good sign? I think of the scripture that says, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 I think of that as a one up for me. Then I am reminded of Romans 12:14 "Bless those who persecute you:bless and do not curse." There is the balance. I am asking the Lord to help me to bless and not curse, help me remember that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against rulers of darkness. Help me Lord to love like you love and not withhold. Pray for wisdom with my whole family.
Some might ask are you afraid. The answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT! In fact I might more bold than I should be. I fully trust the provision and protection of God through the Holy Spirit and in the natural, my husband. I am not a victim but a victor in Christ so my identity comes from Him and not that of fear of man.
Okay I just added that little note. Here is my completed thought in regards to scripture.
In John 15:18-27. Mr. Wild and Mrs. Wild's response was and is simply because they do not know Christ. In the end that is why we are serving in this community. I will add to this post next week beginning with the passage of scripture in John. If you have any thoughts to share please feel free to comment. I would love to hear what words the Lord would give you in regards to this whole situation.
