Stories from the Seacoast Medical Outreach
I had a wonderful week serving with the team from Seacoast Church and the local church in Niquinohomo, Eden Church. Eden has a body of believers with amazing servants hearts. It was a blessing to serve with them and to watch them reach out to their community, sharing the gospel with each patient at the clinic.
I was really touched by the women in Niquinohomo. There seems to be an epidemic of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse here. And God continues to put women and girls in these situations in my path. The ladies seem happy on the outside, but inside their hearts are weighed down with hurt and sadness. I know that God loves these dear women and has wonderful plans for their lives. And I’m praying that He will reveal a plan to us at Christ for the City for creative ways to reach out to these ladies.
Abuse causes victims to feel guilt and shame, low self-esteem and a false self image. But I want all of the women to know that God loves them – and they are beautiful and precious in His eyes.
The Good News is that Jesus Christ gives us hope in a world filled with so much pain. Jesus suffered excruciating pain for us and today we celebrate His resurrection which gives us hope that we too can have eternal life with Him if we just put our faith and trust in Him.
He lives!
During the medical clinics many people came to the church to see the doctor for physical ailments. But what they were really looking for was hope — to hear words of love and encouragement to fill their empty hearts.
One of the members of the church told us that his wife was not a believer. He hoped that the people in the counseling area would boldly share Christ with his wife. The man had an important job interview on the last day of the clinic, so he was not there when his wife came for her appointment. When we were educating her on how to take her medicines, Mary noticed on her chart that the “Accepted Christ” box was checked off. We asked her if she had accepted the Lord. Her face lit up. She joyfully responded, “Yes.” She said that she wants her children to grow up to know the Lord also. I can’t wait to see this couple at our follow-up meeting in Niquinohomo this week!
This is just one story from the week. There are so many others — it’s hard to choose which ones to talk about! But if you want to hear more, just ask!
God bless everyone. Enjoy this Easter Sunday.
