We left Bamenda around 9:30am. About one hour late. This is expected now and time begins to mean nothing.
Robert, Magdalene’s driver, had been sick with Malaria, but called and said he was recovered enough to drive us. I really like Robert and was glad he was getting well, and that he was driving. Those who participated in this outreach were: Magdalene, sister Anna, sister Julie (both Magdalene’s real sisters) Auntie Helen, Divine and Ephesians (my helpers from our compound), and myself. Most of us were big people so we were pretty packed in. As Divine said we were all fat people. I was very pleased to have the boys come along and experience an outreach to the disabled in the village. I am hoping to have a positive influence on them as we live and work together on the compound. Both young men have begun attending the missionary Bible Study as well. Ephesians is a young man of faith. He is 23 years old. Divine I believe is a “seeker”. He is 20 years old and very much a boy. He seems very interested in “our ways” and wants to participate.
We arrived a bit late for the service. A very young Pastor was preaching. He was pretty good. Personable and engaging. After the service our team took over and ministered to the disabled who came for the outreach and any from the church who desired to stay. Brother Andrew, leader of the church, when the “real” Pastor is away, stayed and translated into the village language. He too is very likeable and we exchanged phone numbers and I met his wife. Belo is the community where there is a large number of blind people so our “audience” was mostly blind with a few physically disabled in areas of paraplegia.
Auntie Helen led worship with songs and prayers. We sang, danced and prayed together. Sister Julie spoke–and we sang again, then I spoke briefly from 2 Corinthians 4 and then sister Anna gave her gospel presentation and lesson. It poured rain at that point and it was difficult to hear as most buildings have tin roofs. Anna is considered to be an Evangelist and does indeed seem to have that gift. I have come to truly respect her and all that she does for CEFED.
We prayed individually with those present and laid hands on each. This is always a bit uncomfortable for me but I did it in Haiti and India and I do it here. I have a problem with people wanting my prayers because I am white and American and they think my prayers are better than theirs, which is so untrue. I have had an opportunity to discuss this with Elijah’s Mom and let her know that her prayers for her son are as effective as mine. Perhaps more so as his mother.
Divine became my photographer and Ephesians joined in the time of worship and prayers. Then both boys helped Robert carry in the boxes of soap, salt, Bibles and matches which we distributed to all present. They were drenched from the downpour. Soon they will both have coughs. Or Catarrh, as they call cold like illnesses.
As we left the church we made our way to Mbingo Baptist Mission Hospital to visit Elijah and his Mom. This is now two days after surgery for Elijah. I got big hugs from both of them and then took their pictures. Our whole team invaded the surgical ward. No one stopped us. Mamma thank me for being God’s instrument to help Elijah. Years before she had tried to get help for him. Her husband through her out because of a disabled child, and she knew he needed help. She was going to borrow money but a “man of God” told her not to and to pray and God would find a way. She says I am an answer from God to her son. This is heavy stuff, but though God does not need me, he has privileged me to help this family, even as we were able to help Joyceline. Not me, but all of those who participated to provide funds for these surgeries. We now need to find some more funding for Elijah to stay at the school when he recovers, because if he returns to the village in his condition he will surely die. We hugged again and left the hospital, very tired but blessed from the day.
Both “my boys” are overwhelmed by what they saw and experienced and both want to continue to help. I am thankful for the way God is showing people the needs of the disabled and placing in their hearts a desire to help.
I will return with Anna to the hospital to see Elijah again, and to bring some money to help with the bills that are accumulating. I have been giving Elijah’s mom money for food while they are there in the hospital. Hospitals do not feed you or do tasks such as changing linens, or helping in the everyday care of the patient. A family member must stay all the time.
Tuesday arrived and I walked about ½ mile to the junction to get a taxi with Anna. We then went to the motor park to get another taxi to the hospital. There was a small strike going on between the taxi drivers and the owners of the park. A small riot was about to happen when the Gendarmes arrived to keep things calm. We were stuck there for 2 hours and finally made it to the hospital to see Elijah. Four hours later. Our visit was good and he is doing well. Soon he will be moved to another ward so they can address the needs he has to get the ulcers to begin healing. Continue to pray for this family.
God is good and we are thankful for the small part God has enabled us to play in this part of the world.
~Florence
