Hospital Ministry
Fruits of The Spirit Look Different for Everyone ????
This month my team and I are volunteering at a hospital, spending time in the children’s ward. Did you know the mothers who stay there with their children sleep on the floor on a piece of cardboard? They have that, and a blanket stashed under the hospital bed.
Hospital visits have been fruitful for both the children and the moms. It’s nice to read Dr.Seuss to the kids, play uno, or simply tickle them in their beds, but it’s also a great opportunity to sit with the moms and have a conversation about life.
Sometimes they say things like “take my baby with you.” And you aren’t sure if they’re joking or not, and other times they try to test you and see what you will give them as far as cell phones and money. But can you blame them? These are all just attempts at a better life, either for them or their children.
I’ve developed a routine at the hospital. I have about 4 regulars who I see each time I visit. It’s fun because they know what time we arrive and when we leave and they say things that make me feel warm like “Will I see you again tomorrow?” And sad things like “oh, it’s time for you to leave, now I will be alone again until you come.”
As I type these things out I can hear their swazi accents and broken English. I wish you could too.
One gal who has really been on my heart is Xnoisa. Her name has a clicking sound at the beginning, and I’m sure I’ve spelt it wrong. She has four children, but I’ve only met two. The youngest has pneumonia and sleeps most of the time I’m there. Her second son, who is 3 years old is a ball of joy!! He jumps into my arms the minute I arrive and we play till my arms are like jello. You know that game kids play when you attempt to put them back down and they lift their legs up and won’t let go?! That’s this little guys best trick. Once he’s up he won’t go down! Hahah
The other day I was sitting with mom and the Lord lead us into the best conversation. I asked about her dreams, her hopes and what family looks like for her.
She told me about her abusive husband, her desires to stop working at a Chinese sewing shop, and how she dreams of leaving it all but when she thinks of her boys, she always chooses to stay.
I told her what I believe the Father wants for our lives and how He hears our thoughts even when we are not intentionally praying. He knows what we need and He wants us to have those things.
I asked her if she knew what the fruits of the spirit were.
She didn’t know, so I told her: Peace, Love, Joy, Kindness, Goodness, Patience and Self control.
I asked her then, what fruits she needs in her life right now.
“Peace.”
I nodded my head and sincerely looked at her for a minute.
Some tears ran down her face and as she thought about it more.
I went deeper as to ask her what she needed peace about and what the the bible says about receiving the things we pray for.
A few minutes later I asked her again, what other fruits of the spirit she wanted.
I listed them again for her.
“Joy.”
I smiled. I told her a lot concerning this one. I told her about a photo we have of Jesus, one where He is laughing. How it’s colorful and captivating.
I asked her to tell me about a time when she felt joy.
She cried.
“When I was with my mom.” She said.
We talked about what a great woman her mom was, and how she passed away in 2001.
She explained how hard life has been since.
Her mom used to teach her to be strong.
Her mom was a fighter.
And now, that moms daughter is a mother of four and living with an alcoholic, and has chosen to be a fighter as well.
After talking awhile we sat in silence. Both of us watching her baby boy sleep in front of us.
Funny thing about moments like that is, the silence is not uncomfortable at all. It’s still intentional. It feels like you’re waiting to hear from the Lord what to say next.
A few minutes passed by and I said “I wanna try something. Here, take my iPad. I’ll play you my worship songs, and while you listen I’ll sit here and pray for you.”
She looked a little embarrassed, smiled and said okay.
I reached in my backpack and pulled out my ipad and got it all set up for her. When I looked up she had both headphones in- upside down. I laughed and fixed them for her.
I then proceeded to let all 11 songs play while I interceded on her behalf.
This. Was. Beauuuutiful.
She sang aloud here and there to songs I’ll bet she’s never heard.
Her voice was as genuine as it was out of tune.
I knew it was filling her spirit because now and then she would cry into her hands and pray and then go back to singing.
I was honored to watch this mother sing praise to the Father.
And It. Was. Beautiful.
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No one will ever have this exact experience except for me.
No one but the father will ever know just what was breaking her heart each time she cried.
I’m just so grateful I got to be a vessel for the Lord to reach his beloved daughter, the one He calls by name.
Thanks for reading, my squad and I head to the DR on the 24th. It will be a long time of traveling before we get there so please pray for safety and sufficent rest for us.
