This morning during railroad ministry with kids, Sam disappeared with Rogil.
When he came back we asked where he went. He then began to tell us there was a man outcasted and left dying next to the railroad. That he couldn’t move on his own and has been to the hospital awhile back but ran away. They couldn’t do anything.
Once I heard this I knew we couldn’t leave the situation at that. We had to go see him. So after we finished with the kids we headed over.
The scene was horrific.
The man was off the slope of the tracks half in the bushes with a tiny tarp for shelter. His skeletal body was folded in half, with his face straight on the ground. His body was covered with wounds being eaten by flies. A local told us he had HIV. He couldn’t move. Rice was stuck to his sore covered hand. The only sign of life was his shallow slow breaths.
I was filled with grief that any human being would be left by himself for so long in such a state. I began to cry overwhelmed with love for this man. I had only one desire, that this man had to know he was loved by Jesus.
A battle was raging inside me. What was I suppose to do, I was warned to keep a distance. But I just thought of how Jesus spent his time with the outcastes, hurting, broken, prostitutes, diseased. He wasn’t afraid of them, he loved them.
The night before my team talked about stepping into boldness.
This was it.
I was tired of being scared. Tired of not taking action. So I went to the man, kneeled by his decaying body and began to pray. Through my weeping I told this man Jesus loved him, that he mattered and had value. That he can find freedom and healing in Jesus. Christ offers him peace in forgiveness. I realized then my team was there with hands on my back praying as well. The mans breath quickened and I knew he was experiencing the love of Jesus. As I rubbed his back, I wondered when the last time this man was touched not out of disgust but with love.
Reluctantly we had to leave. Not speaking a word. My heart was heavy. To feel just a portion of how much Jesus loved that man overwhelmed me. Our father loves us unconditionally. You hear it often but do you really deep in your heart believe and grasp that? Our creator perfectly loves and cherishes us. If you don’t fully understand that, I would take sometime and ask Yourself what’s standing in your way to fully bask in that love he has for you.
When we left, we noticed a crowd had formed around us. Their faces were filled with confusion and curiosity. I pray those people saw the love of Jesus. I pray that curiosity will draw them to him. That they will know him and experience him in huge ways.
Thank you Jesus for showing us your heart.
