I helped out with snacks, so I pored hundreds of glasses of water each morning. At first it felt like a insignificant job, yet the passage in the Bible where Jesus says that if you give a cup of water to them, you are really giving it to me kept playing in my mind.
Later I led groups in games. The little kids LOVED playing What's the Time Mr.Wolf? With wide eyes they counted out each big step, and always squealed in excitement as I declared "dinner time!!" I couldn't get enough of running around in circles with them playing Duck-duck-goose or holding their little soft hands. The older kids were a little harder to entertain but God kept our creativity juices flowing and our bodies strong. He always provided just the right helpers when they were needed most. After games I was involved in some drams. It was so fun to here them erupt into laughter at a joke during the skit.
Many kids showed signs of accepting Christ as their Lord and it was incredible to see Him move. These are HIS children and they are so precious.
It was such a blessing to help.
Today, I went down to Lae with a group of 12 other teens to give the donations from carnival to the hospital. (we were able to get them blankets, towels, tp, flashlights, electric hot water pots, clocks, scissors, cotton balls, soap, etc. + a check...God provides!) God was with us every step of the way. The safety on the unpredictable roads, the perfect timing, the good finds at stores, just the right amount of money, the willing helpers, the right connections to the people at the hospital, preparing our hearts etc. (get the point...He's a God of details! :) )
The nurses were so touched by our gifts and thanked us from the depths of their hearts...I could truly feel the genuineness. I don't know if much could prepare us for the next step...we went and visited the children's ward. I don't think any of us will forget the images of the the tiny sick figures laying on the small over crowded beds. Laura generously brought stuffed animals, so each kid got a little gift and we prayed with the family.
It was such a dear time, and I praise the Lord for this opportunity. I didn't go back into the more critical care section, but I can only imagine what was back there from all the misty red eyes that left that room. You can't help but be thankful for the health and care we have...how much we take for granted. It was impossible to go into that room, and not have your heart moved. After reading some story books to the kids and talking some more we split up and went to different sections of the hospital to pray over the wards. The prayers spoken there struck my heart and the soft tears began to gently fall. We prayed for all the different parts of the hospital, but mostly we prayed that God's name would arise through out the hospital, that these patients would have a future and a hope like promised in Jeremiah, and that we would not forget the images we saw- so that we would remember them always in our prayers, not take anything for granted and be more quick to love and serve. We packed up and headed into town for some lunch and a bit of time in some shops before we made the 3 hour drive home.
I feel deep inside me, this is why I'm really here. I'm actually doing something, and not just going to school while my parents work here. This is what a MK gets to do.
I'm so thankful to God that I had these chances to serve the people of PNG before I get caught up in the busyness of leaving and can't find a time or opportunity.
*more pictures to come
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