Hands

Christ has no body on earth but yours, no feet but yours, no hands but yours.

For 635 people in Colonia Emanuel, a Medical Brigade was Christ this past weekend.   I will never get used to the poverty that exists in Honduras and the world.  The smallest things make such a huge difference to the people in Colonia Emanuel.  Of course the doctors examine the patients and prescribe medications to sick people which is so important.  But, what really strikes me are the things we take for granted...a doctor listening to a worried mother, a tube of hemorrhoid cream for a taxi driver who has no money to buy such a luxury for himself.  A pair of sunglasses for a laborer.  A pair of reading glasses so an elderly man can read the Bible again.  A stuffed monkey in a child's bag - the softest toy he has ever had.  Ibuprofen all around - another luxury for people who suffer constantly from stress, muscle aches, headaches, and other things.  Finally getting that rotten tooth out... What an enormous blessing.   19 people - doctors, a nurse, a dentist, women welcoming the patients into the clinic while taking their vitals signs and symptoms, the young people (high school and college,) a coach, and a soccer referee working in the pharmacy and dental clinic, playing with the children, holding a baby,  encouraging a parent, loving them all...

The body of Christ...in scrubs.

Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ is to look out on a hurting world.

Maribel reappeared with Fernando this morning.  Amandita was at her "brother's" house.  I told her I was very hurt that she just disappeared and couldn't understand why she didn't say goodbye.   She apologized and said she realized she loves her children and can't live without them.  She is going to work, selling clothes, and take care of her children.  She looked rested and they both were clean.  She told us she is not going to Mexico because she realizes her mother isn't interested in her.  It was at that moment I saw the hurting child Christ sees.  Yes, she is unbalanced and irresponsible.  Her children suffer in her care more than they don't.  But she is a child in pain so deep and long lived that I can't begin to comprehend it.  I hugged her and told her I love her always.  So, for today at least, Maribel is giving it another shot.   Maribel said, "Maybe God has a miracle for me."  Lord, help us to see her through your eyes.

Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good.

Don Wilbur, a member of the medical brigade, spent two days playing soccer with the Alonzo Movement kids and the children at San Buenaventura.   For the Alonzo kids, life doesn't have much to offer.  Don, age 70, offers them a few hours of joy.  He brings soccer balls, uniforms, expertise and deep love for each and all.  He spent all day Friday refereeing soccer games on the dusty, rocky field in Flor blowing his whistle, flashing the yellow and red cards when he saw a violation.  One of the greatest gifts he gives them is respect.  He takes them seriously and holds them to the highest standards.   Someone asked me if it was safe for him to be on the soccer field in Flor.  "Safe?  Are you kidding?  With 130 kids there protecting me?  Yeah, I'm safe!" he exclaimed!  Yes, Flor's treasure is safe!  

 

Yours are the hands with which he is to bless all now.

Wheeler remains in hospice, seemingly stronger than when he entered.  He is at peace, ready to meet his beloved Savior but now wondering if he jumped the gun in choosing hospice care.  He has been blessed by countless visitors, phone calls from Honduras, family members by his bedside and even a concert by St. David's FolkMASSters group.   Everywhere I go here in Honduras I am reminded of how God has used Wheeler's hands, mind, body and will to bless so many of us.

One thing I have learned from Wheeler is that we are all in God's hands.  The people in Col. Emanuel, the Alonzo kids in Flor, our precious lambs at the Children's Home, Maribel, Fernando, and Amandita, Wheeler, you and me.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

   where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
   the Maker of heaven and earth.

 He will not let your foot slip—
   he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.

 The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
   nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—
   he will watch over your life;
 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
   both now and forevermore.  Amen. 

Psalm 121