Dorcas

Providing support for hard-pressed Christian women through livelihood schemes

As in Dorcas' life, God has worked powerfully in the life of Mexican sister Pascuala, to restore and heal her from her suffering. And now she lives to serve the Lord, like Dorcas, through practical acts of mercy to those in need around her.

Dorcas was a disciple of Jesus, who had known her own suffering in the form of a terrible illness. After her miraculous healing, her desire to serve the Lord continued and was displayed in her ministry to the poor and needy.

She was renowned for her practical acts of mercy, which brought respite and blessing to those around her, and in turn brought glory to God.

Joy and suffering

As a young woman, Pascuala rejoiced in her new liberty in the Lord. No longer was she bound to the evil practices of the ritualist 'priests', or held captive by the controlling grip of the power-hungry caciques (local chieftains).

Her joy and faith were infectious! It wasn't long before other family members also turned to Christ.

At first, the local caciques were intrigued by the family's new faith. But when they realised that the Christians would no longer participate in their 'religious' festivals, their intrigue turned to anger.

The believers made it clear they would no longer buy chickens for animistic sacrifices, nor would they indulge in the potent alcoholic drink used in ancient rituals – all of which are rich sources of income for the caciques

Burnt alive

The attack came at night. Pascuala was sleeping in her humble wooden shack, along with a number of her cousins. She awoke to strange noises and shouts. Her hut had been set on fire.

In fear, shock and confusion, she tried to wake her cousins and run to safety in the woods. Shots rang out.

Today, Pascuala still bears the scars – not only of the bullet wounds she sustained to her face and neck, but also the painful memories of the blaze which claimed the lives of her cousins.

In recent years, Pascuala has opened her home to several orphaned children, and she also takes care of those who have been barred from attending school because of their Christian faith.

Pascuala is also involved in a new project to help Christian women earn a small income to support their families. The sisters weave traditional Mexican friendship bracelets and other crafts, which they sell at the local.

Another key livelihood scheme is also underway to help the wives of the Acteal prisoners. Since their husbands were sent to jail on false charges, they have struggled to make ends meet.

Now your support can give them new hope and security for the future. Simply designate a gift to help Open Doors' Women's Ministry.