A few days ago we returned to see Raphael for the 3rd time. On our second visit he was so overwhelmed with joy to have company that he wept, so our team decided we would spend a day with him.
We brought lunch, a guitar and ourselves. We were able to take him outside in his wheelchair and sit in the yard. As we gathered around and sang worship the children in the neighborhood began to gather, having heard the music. We spent the morning loving Raphael, reading to him from the Bible, singing with him, massaging his arms, shoulders and legs. The children sat, unusually calm and quiet, listening to the music and watching us. Most kept a distance from Raphael, but as we gathered around him to pray a few gathered with us. By the end of our time with him one of the girls stood behind him and put her hand on his shoulder.
Raphael asked if we could stay here, but our time here in the DR has come to an end. God has used team Z’man as His hands and feet, has brought us here to love His son in a time of need. It is my prayer that the children of the community will continue to visit Raphael and love him.
Raphael, Colby, Jessica and Joshua at Raphael’s house. (You see the whole house in this picture; there is the bed, a wheelchair and a table.)
