October 25th started out with my team and I being either physically, emotionally or spiritually tried. It was a Thursday, and our week of ministry had been full. We as a team, were ready to call it a week, but aware that we still had a whole day ahead of us. Realizing that we all were feeling this, we came to the Lord and laid it before Him. We did this standing in a circle and beseeching the Lord in prayer and asking Him to give us energy for the day and that He would use us, despite how we were feeling. Because He is made strong in our weakness.
After our time of prayer, Sithulele (our shepherd), encouraged us to all go on a prayer walk.
We started out just walking down the dirt path and praying for the community, Care-point, and whatever else the Lord laid on our heart. After walking for roughly 10min, LIZ (also known as LOLO) relayed to us that she felt the Holy Spirit directing us to the white house that was to our left. So we said a quick prayer, and then headed toward the house. As we approach this humble home, we called our out greeting (which is what you do culturally in Swazi). Shortly after, a women in her late 30s to early 40s, walks out and greets us. We continued the conversation by asking her what her name was and if she needed prayer for anything.
She tells us her name is Precious(her husband’s name is Kingdom, but what at work this time), and she asked if we could prayer for her disabled son, Lindon. Upon hearing she had a disabled son, I became so excited to meet this boy!
Precious then ushers us into her cozy home. Right as I enter the room I lay eyes on this adorable 14yr-old and fell in love. He remined me of a bunch of disabled kids I worked with in Mexico ( LOVE & MISS THEM!).
His mom at a later time tells us that because they didn’t ( and still don’t) have the money to take him to the doctors, they have never been able to do anything about his condition.
Therefore, His legs are bent to the side and feet turned outward. His spasticity has caused his legs and feet to be stuck in this position. His right arm is also tucked to his side and hand is bent downward. As I begin to rub his back I also discover how out of place his spine is, which is mostly likely a severe case of Scoliosis. He is also unable to speak.
(I would also like to state, that this is from my speculation. My medical knowledge is very limited. But what I have seen in other children, who have similar problems, look much like Lindon’s condition.)
As we take a seat in Precious’ living room we begin to ask about Lindon. After some questions we pray for her family and especially for Lindon. Shortly after, we entered a time of singing and worship with this sweet boy. He really seems to enjoy singing and musical instruments. After worshipping for a couple minutes, I start to sob. This was very unexpected, at this moment my streak of not crying was broken. The flood gates had broken open, and I could do nothing to restrain my rush of tears!
I began to ask God, ” Why I was feeling this?” After asking that question, God was clear in letting me know that what I was feeling, was His heart for Lindon and disabled children . I don’t claim to have felt the full extent of God love for this child, but what I did feel was more love than I, in my human nature, could ever begin to understand.
This strong emotion was also realizing what this family had walked through and still walking through.
I know how it feels to wake up every day and see your son (or I my case my brother) and wonder why this had happened to your family. Why the person who you love has to live in a such a crippling state. It tests your; heart, hope, faith, love, patience, joy, and peace. It makes you question who God is. I know the heartache, yet I also know the BLESSING. I know even in the midst of pain, you can see the LOVE OF GOD seep through everyday life, and His strength that is able to sustain you. You just need the eyes to see it and allow God to work in it and in you.
While I am still letting all these tears be released, God puts on my heart that I am to step out and ask Precious if I could come on a regular basis to do some physical therapy (PT) with Lindon. This was a step of faith for me, because I have no idea if anything that I know will be able to help Lindon. I am not promised any outcome, however I am called to be obedient to the Lord. So I do it(after much deliberation), I ask Precious if I could come and work with Lindon a couple times a week. She seemed to be pretty happy about that, and agreed. I have no idea how this is going to turn out, but I am going to do what I can, and allow God to work in whatever way He desires.
I’m not sure how to articulate all that happened on Thursday, October 25th. But what I do know is that; God brought my team to this house, and used us despite exhaustion. He brought me to that little white house to experience more of who He is.
I’m excited for what God is going to do with this situation. I know it will be fruitful, whether that is tangible fruit or not, I will take one step at a time in obedience to my Fathers voice, and have faith He is doing a good thing.
Here is a photo from Lindon’s house, when I had to say goodbye
