From Theory to Reality

Hands @ Work ministers to the poorest of the poor in areas where no one else is working. Friday we had the privilege to experience the birthing of a new project!

We (YOU, Brooke, our volunteer Adao, our translator Dorcas, the Local Pastor John and myself) went into a new community. Pastor Joao has been asking Carlos to send a team into his community for some time. There have not been resources available to make this possible until now. Adao has been visiting the people in Nyerie Nyerie for several weeks.

In the morning, we met with Pastor Joao at his house and prayed for the Lord to direct us. Then we set out! Pastor Joao took us quickly from house to house of those who were sick and dying in his congregation. I cannot express how beautiful it was! We saw a vovo, grandmother, who was very sick from vitamin B deficiency. In the same home we saw a young girl, 8 years old, who is suffering from a recurrent bladder infection caused by standing in stagnant water. Brooke and I were able to treat the problems and educate the family, Pastor Joao and Adao regarding prevention for these common problems.

As we were walking through the bush, suddenly Adao began walking very slowly and told us to be very quiet. He said in a hushed voice that there is a boa constrictor in the grass next to us. We listened as it moved on and watched the birds scatter. It was not long after that that Adao said "look, there is another snake!" This time it was a spitting cobra. It is good to be with friends who know the land!

We were clicking along in a very rapid pace along a path in the grass that could be up to 8 feet tall. Occasionally we came to a clearing where we would find a home with chickens, a fire and a small grass hut. We greeted the adults with "good morning, how did you sleep?" (in Shona) while the children enjoyed shouting "Azunga, ta ta!" (white person!)

We came to 2 structures that did not look like the typical homes. Adam explained that this is the school. They are on holiday, so the children are working in the fields.

What an amazing day! We walked the ground with the pastor, treating and praying for the sick, sharing the Gospel and encouraging many with the tangible love of Jesus! Wow! I hope that you enjoyed this day as much as I did!