When I first met him over a year ago, I would have never
thought that he was younger than I am. Yet, he is. His story is
also one worth telling.
He was born in Leon, not far from Chinandega, Nicaragua. The middle
of 7 children, however, his mother also had 7 children from a
previous marriage. His name: Carlos Miorga.
Sadly, when he was around 12 years old, his mother passed away. At
age 14, he like most adventurous young men wanted to see the world,
so left home. Carlos was homeless for about 5 years. He lived in
about 5 different cities within Nicaragua. Carlos stated that he
was not a good guy or a Christian.
During his travels, he ended up visiting his dad who was now living
in Chinandega - Limonal to be exact. While he was there, he saw a
beautiful young woman working in the El Shaddai feeding center. She
was volunteering at the feeding centre but not a Christian.
He only watched her but didn’t say anything to her. A couple months
later, he finally had the nerves to talk to her, Maria. Within a
couple months, they were unofficially dating and later officially
dating.
Maria and Carlos lived together for about a year and in 2003, Maria
became pregnant. When she was about 6 months pregnant, Carlos
became a Christian, followed by Maria. José David was born in the
end of 2003. In December, Carlos and Maria have been together
for 9 years and officially married for 6. In 2008, Josué was
born.
About 5 years ago, Carlos had to make a decision on whether to take
a well paying job or to work within the ministry. He chose the
ministry. He said that though this decision was very difficult to
make and it has been difficult, together they decided they wanted
to be fisher of men not fisher of self.
Around the same time as his decision, God told Carlos, in a time of
prayer, that God would provide him with a bigger home. You see, his
family had been living in a 3 meters by 3 meters house. Now, not
only did Carlos, Maria, José David and Jousé lived in the house but
also does one of his nieces and for 3 months 2 sisters in law and 3
more children.
Less than a year later, God provided money to start building his
home. He now has a home that is 7 meters by 10 meters. As a side
comment, Carlos mentions that his house in not finished which means
for 4 years their house has been incomplete. I had a shocked look
on my face and Carlos quickly replied that he is so grateful for
what they have. Being the person I am, I asked the cost to finish
the floor and the walls, Carlos refused to answer but again went
back to how grateful he is for what they have and how God has
provided.
A couple things I have noticed about Carlos and his wife since I
have been here... He thinks, dreams and talks construction. He
dreams of the day of doing a big construction project. Maria is
amazing at serving in the feeding centre and loves the children who
come through. She also loves her children – 3 as one of her nieces
still lives with the family- as well as the rest of her immediate
family.
They together choose to serve some of the poorest in Chinandega...
In Limonal... Where their home has been built... Where they will
serve unless God calls them elsewhere.
Please be praying for this family as they choose to serve the
people in their community.
