John the Baptist said, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”
This statement is very simple. I read it and think I am doing it all the time in His mission. However, when I see the needs around me, I think twice.
Francisco and Pilar have 6 kids. If you are following our mission, you will remember them. They are Nicaraguan immigrants who fled from their country to find a better life in Costa Rica. They are living in what us Americans would call a shack, that has one room and an outhouse. For 8 people. No electricity. No washer. No fridge. Certainly not a dryer.
Francisco works very hard as a field worker for a farm owner. He makes a little over $2.00 an hour and his hours are determined by the amount of rain fall. I will do the math for you, $2.00 an hour x 30 hours a week x 4 weeks = $240.00 a month.
As you can imagine, it is very difficult to make ends meet with that amount of income. So they do without almost every “basic” necessity. However, EVERY time we go to visit and pray with them, they hand us platanos, camote, or bananas. I watched helplessly as Pilar handed 5,000 colones (equivalent of appx $8, 4 hours of HARD work) to her daughter to buy us a couple bottles of juice. They are so generous with the little they have.
We have walked with this family for over 3 years and have been constantly amazed at their abundant level of generosity. They do not have 2 cloaks. They do not have an overabundance of food. Yet they give unceasingly. So, I ask myself, am I giving my second cloak? Am I giving enough? Nope.
Francisco recently came to our house and explained the “house” they are living in is being torn down by the owner to build cabinas for rent. They do not have any options to move to. He can afford rent, but further away from the children’s school and his work, and with not much improvement on their living conditions. Transportation costs will certainly be higher.
In desperation he asked me if we would be willing to buy them a house and his family could rent it. I thought and prayed on this for a while. We have no interest in becoming landlords here in Costa Rica. However, can we GIVE from our abundance with no strings attached? Yes, we certainly can. We can help make their life more manageable, not perfect. A concrete floor, a functional bathroom, maybe even electricity.
I have heard the question posed, “is this a true necessity?” or “aren’t they used to living like this?” Because of our American abundance we want to choose where we donate is the best way to spend our money. But can we ask ourselves, If we have two rooms in our house, shouldn’t we share a room with someone who only has one?
So, we humbly are asking you for donations to make this happen. I have scouted the area of Ulima, (where they live) and have found a couple humble options for sale.
We have already raised approximately $3,000. Our goal is to raise an additional $7,000. If you feel called to help, please send donations to the following link:
https://www.familymissionscompany.com/project/brschmitz/ and write Francisco’s House in the comments.
Thank you all and God Bless!
Brad
Schmitz Family Missions 