It is 4:40 in the afternoon and we are in a community of a few thousand that runs along the river. As I write this, the sound system is being set up for our upcoming celebration. We already have much for which to be thankful. Today has been our first full day of ministry. From 10 until 3 we held a free clinic. It ran very smoothly; throughout the day I was aware of a very peaceful atmosphere. In so many communities we find that. As the day wears on, there is a steady increase of anxiety a people become afraid that we won't get to them. The fear of missing out, or not getting a fair share, is so common among the poor--and often for good reason.
We have already seen a lot of healing. One of our members prayed for a man who could not see anything; when she was done, the man could see her clearly. Much pain and fever left as the team went among the crowd, praying with both faith and compassion. In the afternoon some of us went out into this rural community to pray for more people. I had a chance to pray for a young man, Alexi, who in March had injured his hip while playing soccer. As a result he couldn't walk without great pain. After prayer he reported no pain, so I. Asked him to walk around, which he did. Still no pain. Then I suggested that he try running? He took off down the lane and was soon out of sight; I began to wonder if he would come back. He did, returning with a big smile o his face. His buddies gathered round and he told them that he had been completely healed.
Earlier in the day a couple or us prayed for a woman who had been totally blind for six years. After prayer she reported that she felt lighter inside, but still could not see. A few minutes later, another team member prayed for the woman and she reported seeing light, but nothing else. We were encouraged because so soften healing blindness begins with seeing light. Some time later, two other team members, unaware that the woman had previously received prayer, asked to pray for her. When they were finished, she could see. She could tell when one of them took his glasses off and on, and could see their faces. A couple of hours later, while in the town, they happened to come to this woman's home. The daughter was crying with joy that her mother could see. Before they left the house, both the daughter and he cousin had opened their lives to Christ.
It is now 8pm. We waited at the local church for people to come to the celebration,but after about 45 minutes there were only some church members, so one of DD's team began to walk down the street, singing into a megaphone with us following. By the time we got to the cross street there were about 50 people gathered and watching with amused expressions on their faces. I began to speak to them, with my friend Reg translating. About 25 came forward to receive Christ. We then predict for everyone who asked. More came to The Lord and there was lots of healing. The local pastor was very excited. He said that for a long time the church had wanted to do this, but had been afraid. Now they won't be afraid. A very happy team went back to the guest house,
A great beginning to what will certainly be a great Journey of Compassion.
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