As we approach Christmas here in Kenya, we’ve had the
opportunity to encourage and pray for some of the widows in the hills
surrounding Mbita. Losing a
husband is much more difficult for women here , and with HIV/AIDS so
widespread, the women I’ve had the chance to talk to understandably don’t want
to take the risk to remarry simply to have their needs provided for. So many struggle with food even as they
have several children to feed and care for. Many live in fragile mud huts just large enough for a bed
and some chairs. And very little
assistance comes from the local poverty-stricken churches.
Once again – “who am I,” I grappled with as we approached
one of these residences yesterday.
I’d already been wrestling and irritated with God during the morning. And without any way of providing for
their physical needs myself, “what am I doing here,” I asked. I began praying as we greeted and
entered the tiny home and took a seat.
Asking God to quiet my heart and give me strength and love, He truly
did. So often here I feel the
burden to try and care for others – a burden I don’t have the strength to
carry. Preparing to give myself to
others as we hold youth rallies or visit homes to encourage Christians and share
Jesus to those who don’t know Him, I often feel like I’m preparing to climb an
impossible hill I don’t have the strength to climb. What left of me is there to give? Yet yesterday in the widow’s home, I suddenly felt as if I
was a conduit of God’s love and strength in a way I haven’t felt before. I no longer felt beaten up and worn out
while sharing, because His love was flowing through me. And although I didn’t have any money to
give, we were able to really encourage her through Scripture and pray with her
in a way that totally flowed from our creator. It is amazing to have the privilege to physically care for
others. And yet starting with my
own life this summer, I’m beginning to understand the best way we often can
care for one another is to encourage each other to trust in our Lord, who cares
for us more deeply than any person ever can!
