Thursday started out as a normal day. We were set to leave for more construction work when Bishop Moses told us we wouldn’t be going because of a funeral that was taking place that day. We rested up during the morning hours because with the change of plans we were now going to walk to the nearby hospital for ministry. After lunch we set out at a nice pace. We reached the hospital and had to wait for a bit before entering because Chaplain Dan would escort us from room to room. While waiting we ran into one of Moses’ friends in the parking lot. He told us that his father, also a pastor, was recovering from a wreck. He welcomed us in and we went to pray for him. The team went to encourage him and to pray for him and the man completely blessed us. He welcomed us into his small hospital room, told us of how good God is and that he is getting well so that he can continue to serve him. What a testimony of faith!
When Pastor Dan arrived he was full of energy. He immediately set us off, going from room to room to pray for people. He would just knock and fling the door open, ushering us in. Everyone was very receptive and open to the strange Muzungus (white people) that came in to pray for them. We prayed for a 9-year-old boy who had just had his appendix out, a young soon-to-be mother who went into labor that morning, an older man with a swollen leg and foot, and many others. There were several testimonies throughout the day that shared a great love for Jesus. People were hopeful that he would heal them and they thanked him for giving them life.
One woman was recovering from a car wreck where her mother-in-law was killed. The car had a head-on collision as they were going to the morgue to pick up her father-in-law’s body. She lost two family members in a matter of a few days and still she was joyful. She told us that God had a purpose for her life. He wasn’t finished with her yet and she was thankful that he chose to save her.
The Group with Pastor Dan
After we finished praying over everyone in the hospital, Moses told us of the importance of our ministry there. He explained how vital it is to give people hope, to visit and let them know that there’s a reason for them to live. It’s something so simple for us, but so meaningful to them. They may not remember a word that we said, though they will reminisce about our smiles and the joy we brought with us. While he was talking my mind was racing. What can I do back home? Who can I visit? How often can I set aside time to bring hope to the hopeless? I don’t want this kind of lifestyle to stop when my feet hit American soil. This is who he’s created me to be – at home or overseas. And I’m grateful. Being in his will brings such joy, like nothing else I’ve ever done.
While I was in this hospital in Kitale, Kenya, praying over the sick and bringing the hope of Jesus, my mind was also on my family at home. In North Carolina, the turkey was being cooked, preparations were being made, and people were rushing around to get to lunch on time while trying to keep the food hot in the process.
This was my first Thanksgiving away from home but it did not change my heart in giving thanks. How in the world could I not be thankful? The Lord has me here in Africa and he has done miracles to get me here. He has been working on my heart for years to draw me closer to him and to the spirit of missions. He has pushed me to step out in faith and go further and further away from home each time. He has used amazing people to support me financially. He has provided emotional and spiritual support from all over. He has blessed me with a family here in Kenya that loves him and continues to help me grow in my relationship with him.
Yes, I’d say that Thanksgiving is universal. Thursday night may not have included turkey, stuffing or my Aunt Patsy’s sweet potato casserole, but it was cooked with love just the same.
Thank you, Lord for how you continue to rain down your blessings regardless of geographical locations or time zones. You are the Lord over all the earth and I’m so incredibly thankful that you are letting me see your glory all around this globe!
Some more reasons to be thankful…
