Here's a sweet patient that just got his tooth pulled. He was being comforted by his mother and baby sister. Most Moms carry their young children in a towel wrap.
In the glasses station this is the worn Bible that we used to see if our patients' sight was improved from the glasses. It was a joy all week to hear these people read John 3:16 in their language with great excitement in their hearts.
There is one specific story I'd like to share. After an older lady had been treated one of our team members asked her is she was a christian. She answered yes. Our team member asked her to elaborate and quickly found that the patient did not have a relationship with Chrsit. The team member passionatley described what it is like to walk with Jesus and give your life to God. The patient said with a teary voice, "My eyes have been opened." After prayer, this lady walked away from the clinic with not only physical healing, but spiritual healing.
With many HIV tests this week, we had a lot of negatives and positives. With the positive test results the patients received counseling. This is a shot of our whole team praying for a newly HIV diagnosed patient on Friday. There is power in prayer!
Saying goodbye to the children and our translators was so difficult. They have touched our lives in so many ways.
We can't come all the way to Africa and NOT see the wildlife! Saturday we drove to Kruger National Park and went on a safari! This was a great testament to God's creativity and power. It was also an example of his protection when this angry elephant decided not to challenge our safari truck.
We got to see lion, leopard, giraffe, impala, buffalo, and zebra!!! This was an unforgettable experience!!
It's now Sunday morning and we are gathering for breakfast, testimonies, and a reflection time. The rest of the day will be spent traveling to Johannesburg and collecting souvenirs. We'll depart this evening and will be in America Monday morning! This is most likely the final update from Africa. To all our sweet moms out there, please know that we are thinking about you! Happy Mothers Day!!!
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis team provides a great source of inspiration. Your efforts to bring these individuals closer to God have been valiant. Just being able to read the wonderful stories and see the fantastic photography has had such an impact on many here in the states and over the world. The medical assistance provide will have such a large impact on their lives as well. You have improved their lives by informing the patients of their ailments and providing direction to recover and longevity. 1000+ patients!!! Thats a blessing.
Tana... I am really excited for you. This experience will have such a huge impact on your life. You changed so many lives this weekend with the power of prayer, medicine, and your loving and caring personality. As much as you changed their lives, Im sure you will be impacted as well.
The pictures: The group shot with the children and translators illustrates what joy was brought with the presence of your team. They seemed to be really comfortable with you guys... Tana... I see you have a new friend :) ... She seems to have navigated to you... thats so great... I hope you were able to get her address so you can write to her.
ZEBRA!!!! Yay... I have been waiting for this for 9 days :) SO EXCITED!!! Thank you for posting the picture... You guys have a save trip home. Purchase lots of souvenirs and continue to take plenty of pictures. I will be praying for a safe return and a comfortable flight.
Tana I love you and I am elated to say I am your man. Such an inspiring experience as I said previously. I cant wait to hear about each and every memory...
Love Dom...
P.S. Dont think I won't ask you about riding the Zebra... Especially since you were so close to it... :)
Wow. Very difficult to put into words how blessed we are 8,000+ miles away in your sharing with us moment to moment your work for Christ and through him bless others.
ReplyDelete"Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight." Luke 24:31.
How appropriate that it is Mother's Day and Mothers get to see a different journey for Mothers in your worksite. We are very blessed and grateful and able to reach out to others.
Bryan, Jordan and Elise...we are SO proud of ya'll and this special mission that ya'll have sacrificed so much to experience. Especially at a very busy time in your lives. I'm sure God is smiling :-) We love ya'll. Come back safely and we can't wait to hear and see face to face the joy and the light in your faces and voices.
Love, Mom and Dad
On this Mother's Day...I must say Thank you God for giving me such an amazing daughter and son-in-law and then say how I miss my baby girl a whole bunch (you too Ry :)but I just beam knowing how you all are making God smile. You have accomplished so much for God's glory. Each one of you have given alot of love, hope, encouragement and God's gift of salvation to so many people this week along with some healing both physically and spiritually. 1,000 patients....WOW!! That is awesome!! I know you all must be exhausted by now, but praise God for all the strength He has given you. I am in awe of each one of you for the glorious work you have done!! Have a safe trip home! Can't wait to hear all about it! LOTS OF LOVE,
ReplyDeleteMom & Dad Hughes
Yay Tana!!!! You did it, honey-bun! As you leave from Africa, know that you are leaving a beautiful part of yourself with each person you were blessed to meet... What a wonderful gift! And, you are coming back richer than you were when you left. I am inspired by all of you!
ReplyDeleteIt has been an honor to read the daily posts and follow you on this journey ;) To know you provided medical intervention to at least 1,000 individuals is PHENOMENAL! And your efforts will have an exponential affect. Most importantly, I love that you prayed over your patients... Providing spiritual and physically healing!
An ywho, I love you girlie. I know you have a special someone itching to see you as soon as you arrive :) I told Dom to give you an extra hug for me too ;) Tell Mykenzie I said "hi"!
I can't wait to catch up with you on the phone/skype!
Safe travels,
Tiera
Mason, You all will have plenty to reflect on as you fly home and depart Africa, however all the miracles, blessings, challenges, faces will be with you forever. So rewarding! ! ! We are praying for the groups safe return. Make sure your bag is empty and your heart is full. Love Dad & Mom
ReplyDeletePS, Mom and Katie said the A position on flight home is Mary Francis Shine. Mom knows her very well. Safe trip. Taylor, Jen and Bennett, Carter send their love.