We returned to the care center today for another morning of worship with the patients. Sharon was so excited to share this story with us. On Tuesday when we were worshipping in the women's ward, we all noticed a man who was visiting his niece. He stood there observing our worship and listening to our devotions with a completely flat affect. None of us could tell if he was bothered by this or just thought we were all crazy. Jordan, another visiting volunteer who is also a pastor, approached the man afterwards just to welcome him and give him a business card. Here is the God moment. The man called Jordan the next day, crying on the phone, saying how incredible it was to be at worship. He explained that he was a reformed Christian, but he had never experienced anything like that before. And he said he did not know God like that!! Oh my goodness, it was so cool!! All we did was sing and read our favorite bible verses. It was so simple, yet God knew exactly what this man needed to hear at the exact moment he needed to hear them!! And how blessed we are to have been a part of that! That God used us in that way and we had no idea!!! This man was not on our radar for this trip, but he was on God's heart!! Ahhhh...God is so Awesome!!!
My favorite moment from this morning was at the end of worship with the women. Jordan prayed and asked us each to find someone who was awake and willing to be prayed for. Again...God had a specific plan. Each of us honed in on one person. No one walked toward the same person....so cool! I had the pleasure of praying over a young woman probably my age or a little younger. It felt so great to hold her hand and pour all my prayer and love into her! I will never forget her sweet face and I pray she will return to health!
We spent our last afternoon at Murchison with the children! What a bittersweet time. It was so much fun face painting with the junior high girls who absolutely had a blast!! I also proudly report that I mastered the hand clapping game that I was taught on Monday!!! Booyah!!! :)
I want to send a very special shout out to the most remarkable young woman I have ever met, if in fact she is reading this tonight. I don't think there are any words to fully tell you how much I have been blessed by meeting you and hearing your story. But I want you to know one thing...YOU ARE A TREASURED CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH GOD!!! I will never ever forget you! Your story has changed me. We love you dearly and pray for peace, joy, love, and protection to surround you!!
I leave you with the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, which embodies this entire experience for me. I encourage you to look up this song by Sara Groves and think of those whose stories you cannot grasp but cannot forget. The people I have met in South Africa have forever changed me. I have never known pain and suffering the way they have. I have never known fear the way they have. I have never known the courage that they have. I have never known the strength that they have. You are amazing!!.....
I saw what I saw and I can't forget it
I heard what I heard and i can't go back
I know what I know and I can't deny it
something on the road, cut me to the soul
your pain has changed me
your dream inspires
your face a memory
your hope a fire
your courage asks me what I'm afraid of
and what I know of love
we've done what we've done and we can't erase it
we are what we are and it's more than enough
we have what we have but it's no substitution
something on the road, cut me to the soul
chorus
I say what I say with no hesitation
I have what I have but I'm giving it up
I do what I do with deep conviction
something on the road, cut me to the soul
chorus 2x
your courage asks me what I’m afraid of
your courage asks me what I am made of
your courage asks me what I’m afraid of
and what I know of love
and what I know of God
I Saw What I Saw
Sara Groves
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