It was our first Sunday at Martin’s church in Varnsdorf.
Previous issues with Sunday transportation had left us stranded in Prague the week before, and we were unable to make it to the service. Thanks to the Lord – this particular Sunday we had made it – and as we crowded into a room that would over the next two weeks become sort of like a second home – we greeted people we knew and met those we didn’t.
Zdenek, one of our friends from the youth asked if we needed help translating the service, which would be taking place completely in Czech. Remembering the many services in Haiti and the Dominican where we could at least piece together elements of the service – yet still lacked most of the meaning – we gladly accepted. This is when I met Alena.
She sat in front of Lucas, Zdenek, and I to help translate throughout the service. That’s when Lucas pointed out her food. “Hey look, she has a weak ankle.” “Sweet, we totally need to pray for her after the service” I replied. “Oh yea, absolutely.” Our opportunity came sooner than we thought. Just as I’d prayed for Grandma Anna, and my team prayed for various other people – Alena had come forward to pray for her husband’s salvation. Lucas and I almost simultaneously recognized this opportunity and asked if we could pray for her ankle as well.
I knew in my heart that Alena would walk straight and strong before the end of the week – and that at some point, she will dance. I saw Alena on Wednesday or Thursday evening…just a few days after praying with her in faith. She shared with me that she was walking home from work, and suddenly realized there was a skip in her step, and more strength than before. All she could think to say was “Halelujah!” AMEN!!! The Lord healed Alena’s foot/ankle…and I believe is continuing to knit it back together piece by piece, tendon by ligament, by bone, and all the inner complexities of a foot. In addition to this, when I was praying for Alena, I kept thinking of Hind’s Feet…which is ironically enough, our team name. This encouraged me because I believe Alena, a sister in the Lord, bold as a lion, and a mighty woman of faith will carry the Lord’s Gospel of peace, truth, love, and healing, not only to her family – but to high places…the heights where only hind’s feet will allow her to tread. Praise the Lord for Hind’s Feet! Praise the Lord for His healing power! Praise the Lord for anointed, Spirit-filled sisters!!!
In Alena I see a woman after God’s heart…a woman anointed by God and pouring out His Spirit.
I see hope…I see joy…I see a mom who will raise up her son to be a mighty man of God.
I see a woman who faithfully loves God more than her husband…but loves her husband lots!
I see truth…I see freedom…I see a childlike faith…I see wisdom…and peace.
Her countenance carries a beauty that comes from resting in the presence of her Maker.
I see resiliency…I see strength…I see honorable character…I see Jesus!
