One of the people I have encountered on our trip is a man named Rafael. Rafael helps around the church and has been with our group for most of the trip. He has helped load our bags, helped to transport us around the city, and has been around for most of the day during our clinics. I have had the opportunity to speak with Rafael a lot in the last few days with the Spanish that I do know. He is a very light hearted person, and has been very patient with my trouble in communicating. He has a very jovial spirit and loves to joke around with the members of our group. As we talked on our bus ride to Choluteca from the airport, Rafael told me about some shoulder and back pain he has been experiencing, and I suggested that he come to our clinic when he was able.
Each day in clinic, after each patient has gone through a triage process they are more or less randomly assigned to a treatment team. After lunch on our second day of clinic, Rafael entered the room of my treatment team, and I do not believe it was simply by coincidence. As we talked with Rafael and asked about his back and shoulder problems, we were able to also learn about his family life and situation. We learned that Rafael was under a lot of stress and had a lot of worries about various aspects of his life. With the help of Aston, one of the translators on our trip, I felt led to share with him Matthew 6 25-34 in which we are told “to not be anxious about your life…but to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” These verses have always been a comfort to me in times of uncertainty or anxiety and a reminder of God’s love for His children. As we continued to treat Rafael, we were able to ask questions to dive deeper into his spirituality and his walk with Christ. As I heard the power with Christ had radically transformed Rafael’s life, I honestly had to hold back a few tears. It was amazing to have assurance that someone I had developed a bond with was also my brother in Christ and was a reminder of Christ’s saving grace. The next day Rafael’s mother came to clinic. I was able to catch a glimpse of the end of her treatment as she and the team that treated her prayed together outside. She, Rafael, and the students and therapists are pictured in a photo attached. On the ride back to the hotel I learned that not only had the team prayed over her, but she asked if she could pray over each person who helped treat her. Her boldness and love of others for Christ are something to be admired. Although I came to Honduras with a focus of ministering to others, I have been so encouraged by the ways in which Christ has been able to use others to reveal His promises and provide spiritual growth. Whether it is through patients we are treating, fellow members of my team, or translators, God has facilitated conversations which have opened my eyes to the depth of His love for us. I am also continually reminded that it is not by my strength or merit alone, but is only through Christ and the direction of the Holy Spirit that I can further His kingdom. Please continue to pray for our team and the people of this community and that He may be glorified. -James Crockett Comments are closed.
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