Friday, December 02, 2005

IT WORKS

I was sitting helping Mrs. Rehmeyer, Teresa, pass out medicines at the Ngwane Park Carepoint the other day. As I looked around I couldn’t help but feel satisfied. The Ngwane Park Carepoint is fulfilling its purpose and manifesting the vision of Children’s Cup. We were in the process of handing out de-worming pills to around 200 children and checking them for rashes and other illnesses. We were taking time to take stock of these children’s health and providing simple treatments. We weren’t doing anything spectacular but we were taking the time to look a child in the eyes, care for them and leave them better off because of our efforts. I can’t really say our efforts because I truly believe that every good and pure thing comes from the Lord. God has allowed us to be in Africa and provided us the resources to take care of these children. I digress, the Carepoint was in full action that Tuesday afternoon. The ladies were cooking up some Pap and Beans for the daily meal, Gugu was holding a bible club and Babe(Father or Mr.) Dlamini was in the garden with a couple kids planting spinach. The Carepoint had an atmosphere of hope, community and a place where these children could feel like they belonged. There were kids sleeping on mats, playing on swings, playing soccer and laughing about their day over a meal. I don’t have many days where I get to sit back and be present at a Carepoint. Later on that day Nathie and I got to talk to a local Pastor. We talked him into having his church come on a regular basis to the Ngwane Park Carepoint. I can not express how important it is to have the local church involved in the Carepoint. The local church is in such a position to care for, love and adopt these children into God’s family. The situation here parallels the situation with the hurricanes back in the States. The local church was in a position to demonstrate God’s love and truly act as life savers. It is a unique position that allows it to touch loves and care for people in a relational way. I am so encouraged by what God is doing through these Carepoints. Although we are imperfect workers, God can still work through us to touch the lives of the hurting. Praise God for his faithfulness.

6 comments:

Stephanie said...

Perfect imagery! It is so awesome all the things being done there in Africa. God is amazing!

Be blessed,
Stephanie

Anonymous said...

Hey Pat, it's Adam in L.A. I'm glad you are posting these blogs. I often check your site to see if you have updated. I always find your posts inspirational, and I am happy that you are both enjoying your time there and making a difference. Too many people in the world don't know how good they have it, and don't appreciate what they have. Talk to you later.

Anonymous said...

hey patrick.
this is amanda... thought i would check out ur site! i am praying for you and the ministries here in swaziland! had fun sat night, it was good to see ya again, sorry you stink at poker! jk... seriously though i am praying that you will get some direction and confirmation about Gods will and your stay in Africa!

Anonymous said...

What up Patrick! Sorry you haven't heard from me earlier, but I'm not all that familiar w/ these blog things so i never really sat down to mess w/ it. I just read your latest posting and it's tight hearing about all that God's doing in and through yall over there! I can only imagine what kind of greenhouse effect that must be! You'll have lifelong impacting stories to tell of the power, presence and move of God in these last days. I look forward to being able to hear 1st hand all that you've been and still will be experiencing, as well as how God continues to deepen and stretch your faith in Him. Your brother in Christ...
Reggie{M.O.G} ;I

Anonymous said...

Hey Pat,
What yall are doing is so wonderful. Ash gave me this site so i thought Id leave you a message. You and all that you do are in my prayers.
love,
Robin

Anonymous said...

Hey Pat, Read your postings and your new world is all so very interesting and worthwhile. Glad to see your face on the blog page. That smile of yours is a world-wide passport! Stay healthy, Love Aunt Nancy in Oregon