Pa and Ma Haynes, our hosts, know most of the neighborhood here at New Hope Jeremiah Project and gave us some specific families to visit and offer prayer for while we are here. Because our time with the kids at New Hope Jeremiah Project does not start until the afternoon when school is out, we were very eager to be purposeful in our mornings and set out to pray for those in need this week.
On Tuesday, we walked to Stephen and Eileen’s home, about a ten minute walk from Pa and Ma’s house. All we knew about them was that Stephen has been bed-ridden for the last seven months and Eileen is his faithful caretaker. When we arrived, Eileen was very happy to see us and welcomed us to sit down. We asked her some questions about their family. I could quickly see her devotion to Stephen, but also a deep sadness about his immobile state. He had a stroke and is also diabetic.
The men in our group went into Stephen’s room to talk with him and pray. The ladies stayed in the common room with Eileen to hear more of her story. We asked her how she and Stephen met, about her children, and her life as a schoolteacher. Forming a circle and holding hands, we prayed for Eileen as a wife, mother, and caretaker.
As we were with Eileen, the men prayed for Stephen, for healing and strength and continued faith. He told them of his days at sea as a petty officer. The ladies of our group got to spend some time with Stephen as well. We talked and laughed with him. I was touched by his joy and told him just that. I reminded him that no matter what happens to us physically, no one can take away our joy.
Toward the end of our visit he asked us to sing him a song. His wife told us of some lyrics that are meaningful to Stephen, and we recognized them. The lyrics come from the song “Amazing Love”. The women of Team Degel and Team Genesis sang that song to Stephen and Eileen. As we sang, tears were streaming down Stephen’s face as he held his wife’s hand. When we finished, he told us that in his eighty years of life he has never had an experience like our visit.
It was a beautiful and moving morning to see the love of a dedicated couple with faith and trust in God despite their difficulties. I was reminded of the Holy Spirit’s presence in that home with us. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” His Spirit meets us in prayer and intercedes before the Father. We are confident in that. I did feel the Holy Spirit’s presence that morning. And I sensed God’s pleasure with Eileen for her love and compassion toward Stephen.
As we went out Thursday and Friday mornings as well, I was excited and expectant for the Holy Spirit to meet with us in prayer. On Thursday we prayed went across the road to visit and pray for Jonathan, a 59 year old husband, father, and grandfather, who has severe asthma and arthritis. Friday morning we visited Joanthan’s almost eighty year old mother-in-law, Hubertini. She is very lonely and frail.
Without fail, as God’s Word promises, the Holy Spirit was there with us in prayer for the lives of these hurting and needy people. I thank God for giving us the Holy Spirit to guide us and meet with us in prayer and daily life. And I am thankful for these people because I am reminded how much we all need the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we come together, we invite God’s presense, His Spirit, to join us and powerful things happen.
