The Lord is Present

Hi all! I haven't really shared about how spiritually things are going on ship but please be assured The Lord is ever present in what we do. We always start our shift with prayer with the nurses going off, the nurses coming on, the translators, and often a few patients join us as well. When the surgical team comes to get the patient, again there is a time of prayer with the patient. Because we are in an animistic culture where spirits are often seen as doing harm, patients welcome our prayers on their behalf. Each day, the worship team of a chaplain and local believers enter the wards, share with patients, listen to their needs, lead a lively time of worship and praise with singing and dancing and often drums. (Now that would be interesting in the NICU back home!) There is a big "ward service" on Sunday which is held in an area close to the wards and every patient that can get out of bed comes (not forced to attend but the vast majority want to!) We as nurses get to share His love throughout the day with a smile, a touch, a hug, playing a game, just sitting with those who may not be feeling well, coloring (adults love to get a coloring book and colors...never had anything like it growing up and it is quite a therapedic pass time!) I have already mentioned the outreaches to orphanages and clinics/screenings, and Friday night I get to  go to a showing of the Jesus film in a little fishing village. God is at work. :-).  

   Our verses for our ward for the week: I Thessalonians 5:12-18.   "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in The Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the dishearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and everyone else.      Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."   Serving with you all! Thanks so much for your prayers!