We were happy to see new believers at church this morning in Tarime, and we worshiped God together – so many nations represented in that little church. We were blessed as we heard our team member, Duck Ae –a Korean American- singing to our brothers and sisters from Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Pastor Moses prayed with many people and more gave their lives to Christ during the service.
Not much time to sit and reflect though as we had another clinic scheduled at our 3rd partner church in Bukwe, Tanzania.
I can’t really call it a clinic though – we held it on the side of the road, under shade trees (thank the Lord for the shade!) It turned out to be a good place though as many people walking by stopped to see what was going on, and they stayed to hear the gospel.
One lady in particular has stayed on my heart, her name was Karolina, a 22-year old with AIDS and tuberculosis. She was infected with the AIDS virus by her husband, who has since abandoned her. She lives with her mother-in-law, who really doesn’t want her around, but she has no place else to go. She doesn’t have money to go for any treatment, not enough for transport even to be checked. Many days she has no food.
Examining her, she has trouble breathing, it seems she may collapse at any moment. We have her sit and rest as we talk to her and get some medicines together – medicines that will only give her moments of relief, but maybe will show that someone cares for her. I have our Kenya nurse, Celestine, take time to talk to her, witness to her, share the love of Christ – I give her the equivalent of about $10 and hold back my tears as she rejoices over this small gift. Lord, what am I to do? What do you require of me? I cannot “fix” all of these people. I can hardly relieve any of their suffering even for a moment. So why am I here? I know that it is enough to share about your Son – I know this in my heart, but it doesn’t make it much easier, when I see Karolina leave, knowing that she may have only a few days to live. Will she go to heaven? I don’t know – I will be praying for her, praying that she understood and that she believes.
From Dr. Brenda in Tanzania
Duck Ae shares with the children through songs and crafts.
Pastor Moses praying during church service
Our roadside clinic
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