With Casa Jackson full of volunteers (a good problem to have!), I had the opportunity to join a different ministry yesterday. The ministry is to the elderly in a retirement home of sorts. The facility is called “Casa Maria” and is home to a few who are still ambulatory and conversational, and many who are not. Approximately ten women from our group have been ministering to these “children” of God every day for the past weeks here in Guatemala. It has not been an easy ministry for them, but certainly one that has eternal value. I know that Jesus would have spent his time in this home…with the widows and outcasts of society. My teammate and friend, Amanda, spoke wisely when she said that her prayer for them is not the typical healing prayer we pray for so many, but that they would experience and know the love of God and believe the truth about Jesus …and then go to join Jesus in Heaven soon.
My day of ministry at Casa Maria looked a little different than many of the women experience each day. I spent most of my time in the “front” portion of the house where the more ambulatory and communicative people I referred to live. Because I am one of the ladies who can communicate in Spanish, I took advantage of the opportunity to interact with those who were conversational.
Two stories: Hermando is 86 years old and confined to his bed because of weak legs and osteoporosis. His remaining family includes two daughters who live in the United States and two grandchildren whom he never gets to see. He knows the Lord and I got to read passages to him from a Spanish Bible. He listened attentively and patiently as I made my way through Spanish words I could only sound out phonetically. It reminded me of reading God’s Word to my Grandpa, John, when he was sick with Alzheimers and could not read for himself. I prayed over him in Spanish (a simple prayer) and he understood…it was a wonderful moment. I probably spent about an hour with him, and when I left to visit others, I told him that I would be back again before I left for the day.
Leonel una luz. Leonel is 61 years old and should not be in Casa Maria as far as everything but his diabetes and amputated left leg is concerned. He is full of life but stuck in a wheelchair…but let me tell you, his presence in Casa Maria is not for nothing. He knows a little English and since I know un poquito Espanol, we were able to have quite the conversation!
The best part of the day was when my new friendships with Hermando and Leonel collided! I went back to visit with Hermando as I said I would for the last half hour of our time at Casa Maria. To my delight, Leonel was sitting next to Hermando’s bed talking with him. As I listened to their conversation, I quickly discovered that Leonel was speaking truth and life into Hermando…telling him that regardless of whether or not his family is present, and regardless of his physical health…that Jesus is all he needs! My heart welled up as I listened and I felt like I was witnessing what life is all about…people truly loving each other and pointing each other to the One whom life is all about. When Leonel left the room, I stayed and talked with Hermando a little longer. When it was time to leave I knew I had to find Leonel to tell him what God put on my heart to say. I found him in the hallway, he opened his arms to give me a hug, and I told him that his physical challenges and living in Casa Maria is not for nothing…I told him that he is “una luz para Dios”…a light for God…to all the people in Casa Maria. He said he knew. God has Casa Maria in His hands! His light is being spread…the Truth is being told! Amen.
