The Hospital (Guatemala series)

I had recently returned from my mission trip to Tactic, Guatemala (Impact Ministries) with a team from Harvest Bible Chapel in Davenport. It was an amazing experience that will be hard to truly describe and it has and will continue to take me a while to process.  I did want to record a few of the experiences and share where I was truly challenged, convicted, and moved.  I wrote about four topics that I will post within the next week or so, in order for you to have a glimpse of what God showed me and how I was compelled.

PART 4

The Hospital

He heals the brokenhearted

and binds up their wounds.

He determines the number of the stars;

he gives to all of them their names.

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;

his understanding is beyond measure.

Psalm 147:3-4

Feelings of apprehension were hard to ignore as we entered the Guatemalan public hospital. We were not sure what we would face, or how we would cope with what lie in those hospital beds. We came equipped with stuffed animals “stuffies" and offered prayers for those little ones in need. 

Crowded together is small bays were numbers of beds, each holding a precious child, placed next to a plastic lawn chair allowing parents or caretakers to sit beside them.  Some families had been there for weeks, exhausted not only from lack of sleep but wondering when and if their child will be able to return home. 

Each bed we approached held a small child, one who God loved dearly, but they lie in wait.  They waited to be attended to, they waited for surgery, they waited for relief, they waited for healing. Each child reminded me of my own and it broke my heart.  It was so difficult to hold back tears as I saw each one through the eyes of Christ. These are His children. It was hard not to have a feeling of defeat or sadness.  But we know the ultimate healer.  

We prayed through translators for each one, many smiled, some cried.  All were moved, not by us, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. We then place a small stuffed animal in the hands of these little patients, to bring some physical comfort and joy.  We may never know what happens to all those children, but we can trust in the Almighty who loves them more than we will ever know and cares for each one with grace and love. May we also pray fervently for their future, may they all become warriors for Christ.