Eugenio (May 31, 2000)

It has been about six weeks now since Eugenio, or Eugene in English, came to the clinic.  I remembered him as the man who often visited our church services in Lis Lis.  When he came, he was drunk, loud, but interestingly, seemed to know all the songs and be familiar with the Bible.

 

Now, he sat before me, sober, and depressed.  His right arm hung limp, almost useless, unable to perform his daily work as a farmer.  He had no strength in his grip to hold a machete.  

 

As usual, he had been drunk for the weekend.  When he awoke Monday morning, he found himself covered with bruises, one very large one about his elbow.  His right arm, much to his distress, had no strength.  He could not remember what happened.

 

As I examined him, it was obvious that he had a nerve injury, probably a serious bruise or stretch to the main nerve controlling his hand and forearm.  If it would heal, it may be a long process requiring months.

 

Not being able to do much medically, other than anti-inflammatory medication and vitamins, I concentrated on his bigger problem, alcoholism, and his underlying spiritual need.  He told me about his past, having been a member of several different churches, but always leaving, either on his own or via church discipline, because of his alcohol.  He was single, had no children, and rented a room to live in.  He got by farming enough to meet his basic needs and to buy alcohol.

 

I told him that God was being very gracious to him and was trying to get his attention.  I told him that he was slowly killing himself, but that The Lord wanted something better for his life.  He agreed, and turned to God in prayer, confessing his sin, asking for His strength to overcome his problem, and restore his health.  We talked about the need of being accountable to a church body, and to some individuals.  He agreed. I asked Eugenio to wait until the clinic was over.  I wanted to give him a ride to Lis Lis to talk with Chepe, one of our pastors.

 

He asked for a Bible to read.  Not being sure of his commitment, and not wanting to give him a Bible that would not be used, I first gave him a gospel of John, promising to give him a full Bible if he proved faithful in his commitment to the church.

 

We found Luis and Chepe, leaders in our church, at their home in Lis Lis.  Eugenio agreed to meet with them every morning for a short time of prayer together, seeking God’s strength for the day to overcome the desire to drink.  Chepe had found deliverance from drugs and alcohol a few years before when he came to Christ, so he especially was aware of the need in Eugenio’s life.  He wanted Eugenio to seek him out when the urge to drink came upon him.

 

After about a week of faithful attendance at church, and daily meeting with the men, I gave Eugenio a complete Bible.  There has only been one service that I have not seen him at church.  He usually has a special song to sing in the service “for the honor and glory of The Lord”.  His Bible already shows signs of heavy use, the writing on the cover being worn off.  His sadness seems to be slowly being replaced with joy, even though his arm has regained very little strength. It seems to me that he is realizing the truth of Romans 8:28, that indeed all things turn out for good for those that love God.  Even though his arm doesn’t work very well, that is a small thing compared to the spiritual healing he is experiencing, which will be for eternity!

 

Please pray for Eugenio.  He has tough days yet ahead; days of temptation to drink, days of depression and uncertainty concerning his arm, but hopefully days of victory in Christ and joy despite the circumstances.

 

Dave Drozek with,

 

Thoughts from Honduras