Today, we went to the hospital to minister to people. There were 9 of us total that went to a small, local, public hospital in Matero, Lusaka, Zambia.
If anyone knows me at all, you know the thought of going to a hospital fires me up and ignites a real passion in me! I love the medical world. I love helping people meet their physical needs. It was going to be a good day, I knew it!
With a bag of oranges, bananas, and Jesus booklets, we went into the Men’s ward. There were 5 patients that day. These men were ranging from meager pains to serious illnesses. We did our best to brighten their day. We tried to make them smile! We heard some incredible stories about their families and loved ones. We knew that God could and would heal these men. So, we prayed and interceded for them. As we left the men, you could feel that an atmospheric change had happened. It was awesome!
Next, we were headed to see the women and children. To our surprise, there were none! No sick women! No sick children! On day of hospital ministry, not seeing anyone was definitely a blessing!
So, we headed for the labor and delivery wing. When we got there we met 4 beautiful mothers and 2 sweet newborn baby boys! At first, my “health department” radar went off. Nothing was very sanitary, but it was a happy place, a peaceful place. Talking with one mom, I’m pretty sure I convinced her to name her son after me. Yep, an African boy named Hannah! 🙂
After giving out fruit and the Good News to the new mothers, I thought our day was done. I felt very accomplished and I thought I had said and done everything the Lord had asked of me. It was a good day, just like I thought it would be!
However, yet again, Apostle Barnabas had other plans! He saw a small group of women sitting under a tree. He walked over and started speaking to them in their language. He asked them each individually if they went to church and believed in Jesus. He encouraged them and asked us to do the same. A few of us spoke and encouraged the women to dive deeper into their relationships with Jesus. At the end of our word, Barnabas asked the women if they had any prayer request. This is when the good day became an awesome day!
One woman told us she couldn’t hear out of her left ear. Just like that, Maria layer hands on her and she could hear. That’s it. A snap of His fingers and she could hear! The small group of women soon grew into a crowd of people of men and women of all ages.
The deaf heard.
The weak grew strong.
The pained became at ease.
The lame walked.
The Lord was there.
The Lord moved.
The Lord showed up.
Again.
I was enamored by His grace and love! It was a good day that turned into an awesome day.
Thank you, Lord.
