My last day in Nepal is one I will never forget. A last minute opportunity arose for our squad, inviting anyone who was interested to go partner with a Heidi Baker ministry and hand out some food. That was the extent of the information we were given, and though pretty vague, I wanted one last chance to serve in Nepal before heading to Cambodia.
A group of eight of us traveled to the location and were greeted by an alumni World Racer and other individuals who have answered God’s calling to serve in Nepal, at this particular ministry. I was under the impression we would be walking around the area handing out food to random people on the streets, but was pretty far off.
Though they do a variety of things, on Thursday’s, this church cooks a warm meal and offers basic medical care and prayer to anyone who shows up in need. Upon arrival, with minimal instructions, they separated us into two groups, four helping out with the cooking, and the other four going into a small room used for medical treatment. I was in the medical group, and was pretty much in the same boat of the other three, unsure what needs we would encounter and overwhelmed with a fear of inadequacy.
Before we knew it, worship music was blasting off the walls and a line was formed. Two by two, individuals were coming in with some form of need. I took a minute to look around and realized in a matter of moments that we were running a full on medical clinic. Most had minor sores and cuts, mysterious skin infections, major bruises etc. Others had deep gashes in their head that needed treatment days ago. I was beyond doubting my abilities to treat some of these wounds, but after a few prayers and reassurance from two of my friends that knew some basic medical practices, God quickly humbled me. I didn’t need some fancy qualification to wash someones feet; to clean out a wound, apply some antibacterial, and wrap it with a clean bandage. At times an overwhelming smell entered the room along with the people needing help. Rotting flesh is a scent I will never forget. Yet even in that moment of wanting to cringe and say, “Sorry, but no” God reminded me that if the roles were reversed and I needed help, Jesus would be willing to get down on his knees and wash out my rotting wounds.
The line continued moving through the “clinic” for over an hour and as it came to an end, we cleaned up, took a deep breath after soaking in what had just happened and went out to help fill plates of food. To end my time in Nepal here at this ministry was a pure gift to continue feeding my soul. I felt this wash of joy overwhelming me as I walked around scooping rice ontowho s, I to say no. of people who may not have eaten for days. Of people who have freshly washed and bandaged wounds. Of people who were covered in prayer, potentially for the first time in their lives. God continues to humble my soul and show me that I may not feel equipped in certain circumstances. That even the most unfamiliar situations I encounter, the Holy Spirit has already prepared my heart for what’s ahead. He shows up and he provides. You don’t have to have a degree to love on someone, to show that you care. Love doesn’t have a language, a race, or religion. Love is simple. God is love.
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