No One for Philiswa
Jeanette and I knew that God was calling us to go to the hospital and neither of us was super excited about it. The day we were suppose to go we stopped “quickly” at a care point to drop off Temu’s gift and ended up spending a lot more time there than planned. By the time we left it was too late to go to the hospital and, I hate to say it, but I was relieved. We decided that we needed to go the next day even though we missed the appointed day to go. So we prayed in my office the next day for a while about our fears and concerns for the day and each person we would meet.
We got the hospital and went straight for the children’s ward. I knew I needed to warm up to go to the women’s ward. So we get there and I had brought guavas that I picked from a tree in my yard to give to the moms. As we stopped at each bed and asked the moms if we could pray for them and their sick child we handed them each a guava. (most people in the hospital here stay by the sick persons side and forgo many meals for themselves, these moms were no exception) I just wish I could have given more than one measly guava per person. Anyway it might have en the only thing they ate all day so they were very grateful and much more willing to let us pray with them.
I found one bright little girl with no one by her side and as soon as I went over she lit up, so of course I asked if I could hold her and pray for her, even though she was too young to understand. The nurse said that was fine, her name is Philiswa, her mother had died recently and the poor child was malnurished, there was no one to take care of her so she was brought to the hospital. I figured her to be about 3-4 months old but as I was not content with guessing, I asked her age. It turned out she was 10 months old!! she was so small. Anyways I ended holding her, talking to her and singing to her for almost an hour. I’m so thankful that I didn’t miss a divine appointment with little Philiswa because of fear.
We also brought along tattoos and those were a big hit with the kids and adults 🙂 It ended up being one of our favorite days of ministry together.
It’s amazing what God could do with a willing vessel. Christine stay encourage nothing that you do for the Kingdom of God is in vain. Think of the many lives you have touched with the love of Christ.
My prayer is that God will continue to use you for the expansion of His Kingdom. Love you Sweetie. You are a great blessing.
Hey Christine,
Wow thank you for sharing this story. It gripped my heart and took me right back to the orphanage I visited in Haiti! Those precious little children.
Isn’t it such an amazing feeling to pour Christ’s love in abundance out to babies and little ones like that? I think the hardest part is walking away and leaving them there afterwards.
Well, I truly appreciated you sharing this. I have been reading your updates and love each one of them. It also helps me stay focused and excited to get onto my field. Praise the Lord for the work you are doing. Thanks for the prayers.
Love and miss ya,
Rachel
That hospital wrecked me forever. That little malnutrition section in the back right where on the clipboards it said their names. “Abandoned” and “No Name” were written on the clipboards. That killed me. Was the little girl in the white dress still there in the first room on the right as soon as you enter the hallway. Her name is Simunjimi. She played with a deflated beach ball. I am curious to find out about her and the boy in the 2nd room on the right. We prayed with him and his mom. Hard stuff for me there. You are doing great hugging and praying over them. Bless you with power and His love.
I love the way you are so honest and transparent about your feelings. It makes us realize that God can use any one of us, fears and all. You and Jeanette are His hands and feet there.
Proud of you both for your obedience,
Sharon
Christine!!!!!!!!
It was sooo good to read through your blog! I miss you! And your kitties and shared love for coffee 🙂 Could u email me your address in swazi? I Promised you some cooler ranch doritos, and I shall follow through!
[email protected]
It is amazing to see how the Lord is working through you and your obediance to his calling on your life!!! Really it is very inspiring!
~Amy