Another Woman's Story

He wants 1 kina (40 cents), but she doesn't have any money to give him. As a result, he flies into a rage, as he often does, and begins throwing things and breaking things around their property. She runs to take refuge in the house and when he tries to follow her to beat her, their 8 year old daughter yells at him to leave mama alone. Thankfully he listens to his little girl, but still her mama hides in the house, upset and afraid.

That was when she called us and told us what was going on.

This isn't the first time that such violence has gone on in this family. She's cried many times in front of us missionaries about the abuse she's endured. Her husband is almost deaf from working for too many years with loud equipment and no ear protection. There's no excuse for his violent behaviour, but he is a very frustrated man because of these hearing problems which have also impeded him from being able to work. And he takes it out on his wife. All the neighbours see and hear what's going on, but they either do not or cannot intervene.

Ian writes a letter for him to read (because of his hearing problems) and we walk over to the settlement where they live. By the time we get there, he has left, leaving behind a wife deeply hurt and a daughter who misses another day of school because of what she witnessed. The letter urges him to stop beating his wife; to repent; to love her unconditionally; and surrender to the One who alone can redeem him from the rage that overtakes him.

We sit down with her to try and bring some words of comfort and encouragement, through the Word and prayer. She is shooken up and upset, but still speaks of the comfort she always receives from the Word and shares that when he is on one of his rampages, and she goes into the house to pray, she feels strengthened and encouraged. I'm so thankful that this woman knows the Lord, for He alone can get her through. She is safe with Him.

In situations like these, we feel pretty inadequate. We offer our support; as does our church; and we may need to involve the authorities if it happens again (although we're not sure how much that will help). But even with all of that, the abuse may still continue. Ultimately the Lord needs to change her husband's heart. That's what we will continue to pray for.