PEPE

Pepe, several years ago at the church.

One day we stopped to visit our long time friend Pepe, who lives near the church in Nuevo Progreso.  Pepe always rode his bike to the church for special occasions.  He wore a helmet because he had frequent epileptic episodes and sometimes he would fall off his bike in the street.  Pepe loved to ask Lloyd for money to buy a Coke.  And Lloyd would always give it to him.

We hadn't seen Pepe for a long time, so we all assumed he was in Reynosa with his real father.  But when we called on the family, we quickly learned that Pepe was there and that he was much worse.  His condition had deteriorated.  He is no longer able to ride his bike or even go outside.  He needs help to dress himself, eat and he cannot be left alone. Sometimes he has 4 or 5 seizures one right after the other.  His mother Eva sits beside him every night, on guard to protect him during the seizures.

Pepe is now 29 years old.  Three years ago his brother who was 19, hung himself in their home.  That devastated Pepe and since that time his symptoms have gotten worse.  Pepe has an 11 year old brother Javier, a pleasant little boy who wants to grow up to be a lawyer.

Pastor Gerardo and Miriam were with us on this visit.  Gerardo talked with Eva and her husband Domingo, while Lloyd gave Pepe his beloved Coke.  Pepe's hands could barely grip the bottle, his body twisting and curling uncontrollably.  We could see the great stress this family is under.  In fact, we could see the spiritual attacks against them.

After we all laid hands on Pepe and prayed for him, Javier agreed he would also like to be prayed for to accept Jesus into his heart.  Pepe had responded to that prayer many years ago at the church.  Gerardo took time to tell Pepe's mother Eva about his own mother who had epileptic seizures until Gerardo was 3 yeas old.  A preacher came at that time to visit Gerardo's parents to pray for them.  Gerardo's father didn't like the idea since he wasn't a Christian.  But he finally agreed that if God would heal his wife, he would serve the Lord.

Almost immediately Gerardo's mother was healed!  And then Gerardo's father had to keep his promise.  And as he did, he underwent tremendous change.  He was no longer the impatient, violent man.  He eventually became a pastor and has now spent many years keeping his promise.

Eva drank in this testimony, receiving hope for the future.  We prayed together for the family and over the house to drive away the spiritual darkness.

Miriam made plans to have the church womens' group help the family with prepared dinners and more visits in the future.  Also, it was decided they would have the next womens' Bible study at Eva's house that week.  Eva welcomed this help and said she would invite others to share the time of fellowship.

We were all very glad we took the time to visit Pepe and his family.

"Come unto me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28