On Saturday, September 30th, we experienced our first major outreach project. Squad O traveled to Moca to help those impacted by major storms, such as Hurricane Maria.
After about an hour and half on a bus, we arrived at a church, pastored by the father of our Ministry Host. Upon arrival, we unpacked large coolers, brought in very heavy bags of grain and rice, among a few other things, and settled inside. After sitting and talking for a few minutes, we were informed that we would be setting up a food pantry for people in the community affected by the devastation.
Two teams attended to the food pantry itself. My team, as well as all the rest, got the opportunity to go out into the community to hand out food vouchers for the pantry, pray over people and let them know they are a loved child of God. Tears were shed, stories were shared and all of us were impacted.
The community is so impoverished; people have their very basic needs met, and no more than that. The houses are very small, and do not offer much protection, if at all, against rising waters and heavy winds. But the people in the community were wonderful. They were all happy, God loving people. Absolutely incredible. To go through so much suffering and still be filled with joy is a feat. These people have strong roots in the Lord.
Walking through the community, we met so many great people. Some were sick. Some were financially ruined, some had hardships in their life that they struggle with on a consistent basis, and so much more. All of these things require healing.
Healing.
Healing.
Pray for Healing.
I heard that sentence going through my head all day. God kept saying it, over and over and OVER AGAIN! But every time a prayer was asked for, I never stepped up. I always waited a few moments and then, almost under my breath, said “I will.” Too late! Every time!
We finished our walk after about an hour and headed back to the church. I still had not prayed for healing over someone. In fact, I had not prayed over anyone AT ALL.
I am a little bit timid when it comes to praying over people. It is not something I am really comfortable with at this point in time. I never did it prior to the Race, so it is really new. I have prayed over people in my daily prayers, but never to their face. It is something I need to get comfortable with fast!
When we got back to the church we were told what to do: Hand the now-prepared bags of food to people as they come in, and make sure they have a slip.
So I was stuck at the church. Or so I thought. I felt a little bit guilty. God wanted me to pray for healing over someone and I failed him. I ran from his request.
BUT, leave it to God to still make it happen.
An older woman came into the food pantry to collect her food. After turning in her voucher, she grabbed her bag and got ready to leave. My teammate, Noah, stopped her. The bag was not necessarily light, and he did not want her carrying it all the way; she lived a good distance from the church. So the two of us went with her, switching off who was carrying the bag a few times. We arrived at her house, dropped the bag off, told her “God Bless,” and left.
Great! Another opportunity squandered! Nice Job Matt!
We began walking back. I felt so bad. It was such a simple calling. Just pray over someone! It should not be so hard! But at that point, it was over. I was not going to be able to pray over anyone today.
“Americana! Americana! Ven acá!” (Americans! Come here!)
Noah and I stopped and turned. A woman was standing in the front of her house calling to us. She motioned for us to come for her, all the while speaking in Spanish, which neither of us understand.
We stopped at her door. She kept speaking to us.
“No habla español. No habla español.” (I do not speak Spanish.)
She stopped and started using hand motions instead. She opened her door and led us into the house. In the main room, we found an older man laying in a chair, very obviously ill. She ran over to him, grabbed a towel that lay on his foot and pulled it off, revealing an infection and rotted skin. I do not know how severe his illness is, but, based on the sight, I am sure his foot is not functional.
She then made a praying motion, placing her hands together, closing her eyes and slowing moving her arms up, as if moving towards God.
So Noah and I did all that we knew to do. We knelt down, our hands placed on this ill man, and prayed.
We prayed for Healing.
It was not until afterwards that I realized what had just happened. All day I felt this calling and it eventually happened, although it took it nearly being forced upon me for me to do it. It felt so good to do it. It felt so good to see the man and woman smile. I am not sure if they understood our prayer, as it was in English, but the look on their face was that of pure happiness.
I do not know what has happened to that man since then. I do not know if his foot will ever heal. But I know that, by the grace of God, he was blessed. Him and his wife are loved children of God, and I am glad that I was called upon to help deliver that message.
God places callings on our lives, big and small. He calls us to come out of our comfort zones to spread his word to those around us. He offers us guidance for these things. And there is no running from that. He’s God. He’s all knowing. Either way, it’s gonna happen.
