Looking back at yesterday, it is hard to believe that so much could happen in a day.
The day began with a trip to the women's prison where currently there are about 145 women and their children incarcerated. I have written a number of times about this prison over the years. Most are in for petty crimes like selling fruits and vegetables without a permit or without money to pay the police a bribe. They end up in prison, sometimes for many years. Even worse, if they are pregnant or their children are five or younger, they must be in the prison too. As we arrived, a 10,000 liter water tank that we had donated was being installed. To my surprise, this made television news. After being interviewed about this, we went to a chapel where the women were waiting. We had a wonderful time together. We truly could feel the spiritual atmosphere change as the women worshiped. We were able to tell them a few important things: first, we told them about the clean water from the new tank and from the water filters we were having set up. Then we announced that Mike had arranged for us to pay the fines for 18 women so that they and their children were free and going home. This was met with incredible joy by all the women. We then provided food for them all, as well as treats for the children. Two inflatable pools were set up outside and we baptized about 15-20 women, praying for each one as they came out of the water. Believe it or not, this too made the national television news.
In the afternoon we drove to the garbage dump where Mike lived as a boy. Three hundred women and children were waiting for us. First the children sang some action songs for us, then they lined up to receive a hot meal. Although they live in unimaginable poverty and filth, amazingly, not one child pushed or tried to move up as they lined up for their meal. The YPO (Young Presidents Organization) guys took turns dishing out the rice and chicken stew until all 150 kids were fed. Then it was time to feed the women; like their children, these mamas waited patiently until each one received a meal. We were also able to give the children milk and treats, as well as anti-parasite medicine for each one. Once again thrown into the deep end, these businessmen who had never seen anything like what they were experiencing, began to pray for healing for the women as they came forward. We finished with a "tour" of the garbage dump, including the school that they have put together for the primary children. Our two hours at the dump was a very emotionally powerful experience for all of the team.At 11:00 pm we went out to the red light district to meet with some of the women working the streets. Mike was prepared for 20+ people; instead 225 women showed up! Even Mike was astonished and unprepared. As we talked with them, sharing our stories and hearing some of theirs, the Lord's presence became thicker and thicker. It seemed so clear to me that this was a "kairos" moment in many lives--including ours. The room was packed; there were women around the corner, on the landing and even way down the stairs. After we left, Mike connected with the women, inviting them to let him help them come out of street life. He also gave them anti-parasite medicine for their children.
As I wrote earlier, it is hard to comprehend that so much could happen in a single day. By my estimate, we were able to bring hope and help to at least six hundred people. What a day.
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