It happened as the sun was setting. All afternoon, I had been singing and dancing with the joy of the LORD, with my Nepali Church family. As the sun began to drop, the generous ladies of the church began to spread out our dinner. And that was when she came to me.
I was seated a little to the left of the church ladies, and thank God I was, otherwise she never would have made it close. I smelled her before I saw her. She smelt of alcohol. The other women tried to shoo away this woman, but my heart cried out for her.
So I beckoned her closer. The woman told me that her name was Goma. She told me that she was a good wife and a good mother. She told me that her son’s medical bills were considerable. She told me that they needed 10 ruppees for candles (about $0.10 usd). What Goma didn’t tell me was that she was cold. She didn’t tell me that she was hungry. She didn’t tell me that her husband drinks all of the time. She didn’t tell me that her husband abused her night after night. She didn’t tell me that she was without hope. Goma didn’t have to tell me. It was clear from the bruises on her cheek, the guantness of her bones, and the eagerness in which she eyed the food the church ladies had prepared. Goma didn’t say these things to me, but I knew. And some things once you know you must act upon.
I knew God placed her on my heart for a reason. While I had nothing I could give, I had everything to share. I looked at Goma and told her of her Heavenly Father who loved her so much he died for her. I told her about goodness of God and how it is the bread of life that fills you even when you are hungry. I told her of the blood of Jesus and how it redeems our lives and sets us free from our addictions. I told her how the Holy Spirit is the great Healer and how He alone can heal all our illnesses, hurts, and brokenness.
As these words came, I rubbed Goma’s back and prayed for God to reveal to her just how loved she was. Goma began to shake and convulse. I could see the innocent child in her eye. The precious child of God that she still was. The eagerness and steadfastness in which she pursued God’s light. It was in that moment my heart began to break. I wanted Goma to know that God was good and He loved her. Finally, I said God is the light of this world. In His presence no darkness can stand.” As we parted ways, we bought candles for Goma. Candles to remind Goma of God’s light and his goodness all the days of her life.
“There’s none too poor, too dirty, too broken Too naked, too stupid, too drunken, to be… Thrown outside His love! ”
Give Me Your Hand, Enter the Worship Circle
