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LIFE for
Doña Rita – a poor Argentine woman – was very difficult, and the future
appeared dark indeed. Her husband was becoming more and more addicted to drink,
and consequently nearly all the money he earned found its way into the tavern
at the corner of the street. The burden of feeding and clothing the family of
growing children had therefore to be carried by their mother, who spent long
hours at the washtub. But the family was numerous, and the money so hardly
earned was not sufficient, so that the children were often cold and hungry.
But things were to become even worse; for the husband began to insist that
some of the money his wife earned be given over to him. Doña Rita became
desperate, for the future seemed absolutely black, without one ray of light.
To struggle any more was useless. Thus it was that she decided upon a very
terrible step: since life was no longer worth living, she would put an end to
the suffering both for herself and the children. That surely would be better
than living on in increasing misery. She secured some poison and mixed it
with the rice she and the unsuspecting children were to take for their |
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But human
extremity often proves God’s opportunity. The meal was about to be served
when there came a knock at the door, and a neighbour asked: “Doña Rita, what
are you doing this afternoon?” “Why do you ask?” stammered the woman,
thinking that perhaps her dreadful secret had in some way been discovered.
“I’ve come to invite you to a Gospel meeting to be held this afternoon.” “A
Gospel meeting! What kind of a meeting is that?” inquired Doña Rita. “Oh,
it’s where someone speaks about God and the Lord Jesus Christ and His death
on the cross. The meeting only lasts an hour and I am sure you would enjoy
it.” |
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Conflicting
thoughts chased one another through Doña Rita’s mind. It she carried out her
plan, she and her family would all be dead by the time of the meeting. But the
mention of God made her reflect that perhaps after all she was taking a wrong
step. Little guessing what were her thoughts, but seeing her hesitation, the
neighbour again insisted, “Do say you’ll come. I’ll call for you at |
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Directly
the neighbour had gone, the poisoned food was thrown away and something else
hastily prepared. In the afternoon, Doña Rita went to the meeting and heard
things quite new to her, which amazed her and made her anxious to hear more.
Before many weeks had passed, she had accepted Christ as Saviour and Friend.
Life for her changed completely; she had no longer to bear her heavy load
alone. She sent her children to the Sunday School where they learnt that God
hears and answers prayer. One little daughter said: “Mother, let’s ask God to
change father.” And that prayer was answered. The preacher visited the home
and invited the father to attend the services, and although he never accepted
the invitation, he did leave off drinking. |
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Some years
have passed since Doña Rita accepted the Saviour, and while her husband has
not yet taken the same step, several of her children have. She has also had
the joy of seeing a nephew whom she brought to Sunday School accept Christ as
Saviour. |
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From:
Anon. True Stories Re-told. |