New Beginnings

OK - so blogging isn't our forte, as evidenced in the last post. We're better at program development than computer technology. Good thing we work in Africa and not at Microsoft or something! We'll try to improve with time.

In spite of a lot of logistics still needing to be completed (still no running water, furniture not all done yet, plumbing issues, water issues, etc) we've had some neat opportunities to fellowship with and minister to our women. The first week we were here we took a suitcase full of Braille books to the Panlap School for the Blind. These books were all donated by ministries to the Blind in the States. The women who work and teach at the school were so appreciative of the opportunity to read Christian books and devotionals in Braille. Some wonderful books were donated including a full set of the Beginner's Bible for children (the original book is about 1 1/2 inches thick - the Braille version is 9 two inch volumes!), a couple of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, a couple of books by Billy Graham and Joni Eareckson Tada, some devotionals and many others. As we distributed the books, the silence increased as each woman took a book and began to read. The silence was only punctuated by their comments - "Oh, listen to what this says!" "I get that one when you are finished." "I'm so happy to read books about God and His Word."

The meetings with our staff helped us to get a better understanding of the issues that need to be addressed and where we need to focus our attentions.  One difficulty that we faced was having our Program Manager resign one week after we arrived.  It had become evident to all that her giftings and skills were not being best utilized in this program and she felt that she needed to follow the Lord's call into full-time youth and music ministry.  We released her with our blessing to do what He has called her to do.  As we evaluated the structure of the program, we realize that we have a critical need for a Director, someone who will focus primarily on administrative issues and finances, as well as an additional field worker to bolster the mammoth task that Ruth has in working directly with the women with disabilities.  We are currently advertising for these positions and hope to fill them soon.  We need Divine guidance as we interview and make decisions on the women to fill these important roles.  

On the last Saturday of every month, the women with disabilities hold a joint meeting to discuss issues facing them and talk about the advances of Women of Hope.  We were able to join this meeting yesterday, and it was truly a blessing and motivation to us - emphasizing why we are here. 

Before we could hold the meeting in a church that graciously allowed us to use their facility, we faced the issue of disability access head-on.  We had to somehow get all of those women into the building - but there were 5 large steps barring the way.  About 20 of the most severely impaired women had to be carried into the building - on our backs.  Some had to be carried chair-and-all.  Once all were safely, if not conveniently, inside, the meeting miraculously started promptly on time.  Over 150 women showed up for the meeting.  This is not only amazing in the sheer numbers, but even more so when you think of how far many of those women had to walk on crutches, or hand-pedal their push carts, or be led by a child or a friend over barrier-strewn roads.  Their persistence in attending that meeting put us to shame.  

Several of the women from various disability groups spoke about the issues that those with their particular disability face.  They articulated the problems and encouraged the other women to be patient in suffering and have hope for a better tomorrow.  The opening prayer was led by Matilda, a women who was a victim of childhood polio, and who loves Jesus and shows amazing initiative and leadership.  Her prayer moved me to tears.  Loosely translated, here is what she said - 

"Daddy God, we accept how you have made us. And we even appreciate our conditions, because you have given them to us.  But like the Israelites who cried out in their suffering under Pharaoh, we cry out and ask you – in a very kind way – that although we appreciate everything you have done for us, you will see our suffering and deliver us.  This shape and form that you have given us gives us great suffering.  And we don’t want to be ungrateful, but we beg you to find a way to relieve us of our suffering in this life, before the end of our days.”  

 

Matilda praying

After distributing 180 little baggies of Kool-aid (which we had mixed and tied into baggies the night before) and cookies, we carried the women back down the stairs to their waiting hand-powered trikes.  The whole meeting was a wonderful reminder of why we are here and the vast needs that confront these women on a daily basis.  The task often looks completely overwhelming, in all honestly.  But we must persevere so that they can hear the hope of the Gospel and find their ultimate soul-healing in Him.