Last Day of Serving

Today was the last day of our medical clinic and Bible study. We have seen over 200 patients in the clinic this week. They received love from the time they walked in the door. There were snacks and juice, and even massages, in the waiting area. The children lined up to receive toys while they waited. After they received their medical care and medications came the best part of all...every one of them went to one of our prayer rooms where they could share their heart and receive individualized prayer. Some were lead to the Lord for the first time, many received comfort and encouragement or a specific word from the Lord. We even had one baby dedication this week! They may have come in to be treated for infections, but they left with a lifted spirit as well.

Close to 80 women took part in our afternoon Bible study, where there was also child care for their 100+ children. From 2 to 5 every afternoon, Pastor Saul's church has been overflowing
with life! Lynn has done a wonderful job of leading the large group study each day. We also spent about an hour in our small groups, which were each named for one of the pieces of the Armor of God. My group was the "Sword of the Spirit," which is "Las Espadas" in Spanish. For our last day today my co-leader, Carla, made swords out of balloons. It was hilarious watching all those adult women playing with balloons in class! They giggled and laughed like they didn't have a care in the world. The study this week was titled "Living Victoriously in Difficult Times." I think most of the ladies in my group could have written that book themselves. It's bad enough that they have to deal with living in a landfill every day, but in addition many have lost children or spouses who were murdered, they have been raped or physically abused, face near starvation and malnutrition daily, and a multitude of other tribulations. They know what it means to wake up each day and lean on God rather than their own strength.

As the day came to an end, the tears overflowed from all of us. The ladies kept coming up to bring us little handmade gifts or "regalitos" and thanking us for all we have done. They have no idea what a blessing they are to us! Last, we handed out food bags to each of the ladies in the study.  Each bag had corn meal, protein powder, sugar, salt, rice, beans, spaghetti, oatmeal, soup, ramen noodles, cookies, marshmallow treats, toilet paper, and a dozen eggs. I have no idea how they carried those heavy bags all the way home! And their children were equally loaded down with all the crafts they had made, plus a new beanie baby. We also were able to leave behind an ample supply of medication for the clinic. The Lord has richly blessed and provided for all of the needs for His work here. I think we will all leave behind a piece of our hearts when we get on that plane.

We miss all of you back home. Your prayers have kept us safe, healthy, and encouraged. None of these things could have happened without the Lord using you to hold us up. Please continue praying that the Lord will continue the good work He has begun in this community.

Dawn Kemp