Burning Bushes

Wednesday, October 14 . . . today was our day to lead the chapel service at the Hospital Chapel. Our assigned scripture was Exodus 3:1-7 . . . the story of the call of Moses, the burning bush and the acknowledgement of God's holy ground. We opened the service with Craig leading the congregation in singing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands", which was actually in their hymnal. Dale McCormick read the scripture and, after Dawne offered a few words about the scripture, team members shared their own "call" to the holy ground of Kenya. It was interesting to hear that several team members had felt called to Africa as missionaries as children. Perhaps our dreams are written on our hearts before we are born! Dawne had the privilege of making rounds with Rev. Alice, the UM Hospital Chaplain, which was a powerful and heartbreaking experience. We were able to pray over every patient . . . several children in a burn ward; those with HIV and other infectious diseases; those with wounds, diabetes, dehydration, malnutrition and diseases from contaminated water. Sometimes Dawne prayed in English, Rev. Alice prayed in Swahili . . . always the patients had grateful, sad eyes and seemed comforted by the promise of God's presence with them. Rev. Alice shared that she was previously a UM circuit pastor in Kenya and recently completed a chaplaincy residency, where she finds here ministry very rewarding. The team finished the first staff house project and moved on to another house where they are building a room addition to extend the kitchen. We had lunch with the hospital administration, who repeatedly expressed their thanks to us for our presence and our support. They reminded us of the many ministries of the 81 year old hospital complex: 300 beds; specialties in Ob-gyn, palliative care, a surgical suite, occupational and physical therapy, ENT, community healthcare, a kitchen garden project to encourage the growth of vegetables, and support groups for a variety of addictions. The holistic ministry of the hospital also includes the Giving Hope program for orhpans, a school support program and the guardian support group for AIDS orphans. The hospital sees over 2000 AIDS patients each month and, as a result, in the eight years the hospital has been treating AIDS, it has become a chronic illness rather than a life-taking disease. Surely God is glorified in this loving ministry. More tomorrow as we continue to be at work with and in prayer for our new brothers and sisters.