You may remember Raiane from our March story “A New Door”. She’s 36 and a mother of six she’s been raising on her own since their father has been in prison. They broke up some time back because of his dependency and subsequent behavioral issues. Raiane has a fierce love for her children. She’s not above begging on a street corner to provide meals and a home for her children. And right now she needs your prayers.
Last Thursday Raiane began vomiting with a sharp abdominal pain. From the local emergency health clinic, to the largest public hospital, to the women’s hospital, and now in the ER in another public hospital, she’s been diagnosed with gallstones. Raiane is being hydrated intravenously and getting strong pain meds but still unable to hold down any food or liquids. This is the sixth day.
Because of the chaos of the public health system, only patients with serious complications (inflammation, life-threatening infection) are operated. Since Raiane’s not “that” serious they won’t operate. But she can’t hold any food down and her veins are starting to collapse in spite of (or partly because of) all the IV’s.
Germana, Paulina, and Victoria have been trying to find someone they know in the general surgery unit who could intervene. Please pray the Lord will either heal Raiane enough to where she can begin to hold down food and liquids, or bring someone forward to decide for the surgery.
Raiane with Rhyanna, Rickelme, and Rhaylane
“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” Habakkuk 1:5
Isn’t the Lord amazing? With every step the enemy takes to steal and kill and destroy, our Lord is light years ahead of him, using all the evil Satan would work for good. These last few days I’ve seen three things I would not have imagined before.
Edmilson, father of Raiane’s six children (who just two months ago she told me she could never see getting back together again with), has stepped up at this time to help her. In public hospitals here, every patient has to have a relative or friend accompany them. Nursing staff barely keep up with critical needs like swapping IV’s and tending to wounds. Family or friends take care of feeding, bathing, changing diapers, etc.
And wouldn’t you know Edmilson has been with Raiane since she was taken to the first hospital. She was a little put off at first, a little suspicious. But, I can tell (and I told her!) the guy really cares about her and I think he really wants to make a new start. I’ve been dividing these shifts with Edmilson and it’s given Raiane and I some good time to talk about their future.
She’s open to trying again with Edmilson, and I believe he is too. He’s had a long history of drug use and some pretty crazy behavior when he was using. But I believe he wants to make a new start. Please pray the Lord will come into the middle of this situation and bring them, first to Him (whatever happens between them), and possibly restore a family that very much needs a father’s presence. And he really loves his children!
The other good news is Raiane and I have been having some meaningful talks about her walk with the Lord. And her baptism. The Lord has a way of getting our attention. One way or another. I believe He’s renewed her focus on Him. Please pray it will continue to grow. And never stop growing.
Thank you for your prayers!
“Prayer is not a preparation for the battle. Prayer IS the battle.”
– Oswald Chambers