Poverty: it’s not just the absence of currency or materialistic possessions. It’s the absence of feeling like you belong. It’s the absence of feeling like you have a purpose. It’s the absence of hope.
Poverty is everywhere. It’s where I’m from in Alabama. It’s where I go to school in Missouri. And it’s here, in Lima, Peru. Scripture says in Luke chapter 10, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Well, who is my neighbor you ask? It’s the one who needs you! That truth was with me every day this week. For the past five days we have served as physical therapists, but more importantly, I believe our service extended beyond the physical and into the spiritual lives of every patient we encountered.
These days were filled with early mornings, late nights, and chicken and rice... a lot of chicken and rice. But in between all of that were people we encountered that are just just like you and I. People with beating hearts, air in their lungs, and blood in their veins. These people had needs just the same as us, but I think it looks different here. Where we are from, a need that is met is sometimes not enough. Here, a need that is met is an answered prayer. It is a miracle.
In preparation for this trip, our weekly meetings consisted of how we could meet the needs of the people we would serve. We prayed for the Lord to intercede and that He would use us as His tools.
He did just that. Somehow, someway, day-in and day-out the Lord worked through our team and provided for the needs of the patients. Was it a struggle? Yes. Was it frustrating? Absolutely. Was it all worth it? Without a doubt.
I think I can speak for the whole team when I say, we have learned so much about ourselves, our hearts, and just how intricate our God’s plan is.
Isaiah 61 says, “He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners…to comfort all who mourn…to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes”
Ellie Holcomb wrote a song and it was inspired on this truth, “He is the fulfillment of these beautiful promises. He IS the good news, the Living Word of God. He is our chain-breaker, our healer, our rescuer, or burden-bearer, and our bridge from death to life. Even when things don’t turn out like we thought they would, He will bring healing and hope. He WILL be who He says He is.”
When our efforts seemed to fail and we felt defeated....We looked to Him. We recognized that He can and He will.
To wrap up our blog posts regarding our experience in the clinic this week, 1 Peter 3: 8 says, “All of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, Love one another, be compassionate and humble.” I think if we embody scriptures such as this, then no matter where we go or who we meet, the gospel will shine bright and can help change the world all for the sake of the gospel.
Thank you for following us on this journey and for your prayers. Every breath is a gift and we are thankful to be serving the One True God.
We are climbing Machu Picchu today so please keep the team in your prayers!
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