Following an intense and prolonged torrential downpour on Monday night, Tuesday morning started bright and clear. Though we were somewhat tired from the previous day's efforts we asked for - and received - empowering from the Holy Spirit to accomplish the tasks that He had set before us. Is there any greater satisfaction than knowing that you have been used by God to change someone's life for eternity? I doubt it.
Once again our clinic operated out of the Pena de Horeb church in Pena Blanca. Business was a little more brisk on Tuesday as we saw and treated about 135 patients. I want to share with you one encounter we had with a patient...
An elderly woman was triaged with pain in her abdomen area. She was sent to Pam's station for diagnosis and treatment. Through a translator the woman told Pam that the pain was not a result of an illness but rather is was being caused by a bad spirit. Pam's translator, David, questioned her further trying to get a better understanding of the situation: "What kind of medicine do you need?" The woman replied that she didn't know if she needed medicine but that was why she came to the clinic at the church. "The Man of God will know what I need," she said.
By this time Pam and David were certain that this truly was a spiritual matter rather than a physical one. The joined with the woman and began to pray intently that God would rescue her from this bad spirit. In the name of Jesus they prayed for deliverance and healing and asked Him to remove the spirit from her and replace it with the Holy Spirit. Pam later commented on how evident the intensity of David's prayer was to her...even in Spanish.
As the prayer concluded there was a visible change in the woman. Her face no longer showed the discomfort it had when she arrived at the clinic. She was visibly at peace and said that she had no more pain! In fact, she didn't even need any medicine! Praise the Lord! In our holy huddles we often talk about spiritual warfare but it is not often that we see it this up close and personal.
I do want to take a moment to give a pat on the back to our trio of ladies who lead our children's activities everyday. Louise, Kristy and Lorene are incredibly loving women. They have poured themselves into the lives of these children despite language barriers, despite working outdoors under a makeshft shelter, and despite the most basic form of communication from the children being the word "Hey" accompanied by a poke in the arm. These ladies are living examples of what it means to welcome a child in the name of Jesus.
What's more, the work they are doing with the children makes what our medical providers do in the clinic even more effective. Keeping the children engaged and out of the clinic area provides a calm and quiter environment for both the patients and the providers. It allows for easier communication - and as a result, better diagnosis - because no one is having to shout above the noise to be heard. Our Heart to Honduras ministry partners have also commented on the impact of having activities for the children. They have likened clinics without this element resemble something of a zoo and a Chinese fire drill.
Duty calls and there is more concrete to pour. I will share about our worship experience with the local congregation in my next blog. Continue to pray for us and continue to ask God to strengthen us physically, mentally and spiritually.
Soli Deo gloria,
Michael
P.S. I apologize for this post being so late. Internet access in Honduras is limited at best. This is my third attempt at posting this entry...
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