“Because of your faith,
it will happen…”
-Matthew 9:29
Today we had our first day of Kenyan ministry. When Pastor
Moses told us we would be visiting a hospital to pray for the sick, I
immediately got a little nervous. Most of you know, I have a weak stomach when
it comes to hospitals, blood, and sick people! I’ve had a hard time in previous
countries when we would do hospital ministry. I was usually sent running out of
the place as the blood would cause instant gag reflex and nausea.
I find my reactions interesting, because I believe so
strongly in the power of prayer and healing. I have seen miracles take place
and I enjoy being able to pray over people that are hurting. I know God hears
our prayers. God has already been working miracles of healing through our squad
this year, and quite frankly I’m frustrated in feeling held back. This morning
before we left, I prayed against any feelings of sickness and any hindrances
the enemy would like to put on me to prevent me from participating today.
Luckily, I made it through the few hours we were there and what an experience
we had!
Most people had
malaria, or stomach diseases. We went room-to-room talking with the patients
and praying for each one. As our time was coming to an end, the chaplain asked
us to come back and pray for one more. As I walked into the room, I instantly
felt broken as I saw a 75lb lifeless body lying on the bed with her sadden
mother and sister at her side. Glavina had been there three weeks dying of
AIDS. Her body was shaking as she was struggling to take each breath through
tubes shoved in her nose. Her eyes looked empty and the unbearable pain she was
going through was evident. Tears welled up in my eyes and my heart ached for
her. Then I felt a peace as her mother explained to us her love for the Lord.
Before she lost her ability to speak, she would ask her mother to read the
bible to her. Shortly after, we went into the men’s ward to do our final
visits. The first bed we walked up to was a man who had just died. We
approached his loved ones right as they heard the news and broke out into
hysterics. The heaviness and weariness was obvious on all my teammates, but I
know that whatever discomfort we were feeling was nothing in comparison to the
pain they were going through.
It was exhausting and draining day, but I actually left
there feeling hope. Almost all of the patients were believers and welcomed us.
Their faith in God was really encouraging
and I left there feeling blessed. To see their tears as we held their
hands and took our burdens to the Lord together. It was such a blessing to be
able to lay hands on them and agree with them in prayer for their healing
through Christ Jesus. In whatever way and time frame that may look like… It’s
hard seeing all these hurting people and not feel some of their pain. I just
hope that as our energy decreased, we were imparting some of it to our sick
friends.. I have no doubt in my mind that they felt the love of Jesus through
our presence and hopefully today was a chance at increasing faith for all…
me will do the same works I have done, AND EVEN GREATER WORKS…you can ask ANYTHING in my name,
do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.”
-Jesus (John 14:13)
