The Cry of the Poor

The wages you withheld from the worker who mowed your fields cry out, and the cries of the worker reach the ears of the Lord of hosts. (James 5: 4)

Consider the case of Pedro Zapeta, a dishwasher from Guatamala who worked in the U.S. for 11 years and saved $59,000 so he could buy land in his native country and build a home for his mother and sisters. Mr. Zapeta, who speaks no English, earned barely more than minimum wage, but he lived frugally and often worked two jobs to save up his money.

When he had earned enough, he packed the money in a duffel bag and prepared to take a flight home to Guatamala. But what happened at a Florida airport and afterwards is hard to believe. Because he failed to fill out the proper form declaring the $59,000, customs officials arrested him and seized his money. And now after two years of government harrassment, an immigration judge has ordered him to leave the country by the end of January 2008. He is unlikely to see a penny of his money.

Mr. Zapeta is all but powerless against the government officials who have taken everything he worked for. He will return home no better off than when he left it. But those who have swallowed up Pedro Zapeta should keep in mind that God hears the cries of the poor man against his oppressors. God sees everything. And God never forgets.

Read more about Mr. Zapeta's case...