Carmen is a 65-year-old-woman with a 24-year-old-son, Guillermo, who has Downs Syndrome.  She has had a hard life, and was introduced to cruelty and abuse at an early age while she attended a Catholic school run by nuns.  Carmen's husband died three years ago.  He was a practicing Buddhist, and had even constructed a shrine in his home for worship.

When Carmen and Guille visited our church as a result of the persistent prayers and invitations of their neighbor, one of our most faithful ladies, they were surprised by the warm welcome that they received.  Even though Guille stood up and did an interpretive dance while Jennifer sang a special, no one shunned them or reprimanded too harshly.  Again they were surprised. 

It didn't take long for Carmen to come to a saving knowledge of Christ when presented with a clear plan of salvation.  She had heard of Him, but couldn't believe the love and forgiveness that He offered until she saw it put into practice by the same people who were proclaiming Christ to her.

Carmen and Guille are now permanent fixtures at our church.  They rarely miss a service and attend a weekly home Bible Study at Alverta's house.  The last time we visited, the Buddhist shrine was still in its place.  Carmen still has a long way to go, and a lot more to learn, but slowly and surely she is tearing down the altars in her life.  She is serving the one True God, and tells us that she marvels each day at the peace that she has found.

Roy  Webster, Argentina