What about Ramiro and ... (Women's Colombia Team)

So it hit me the fifth day in Barranquilla. I thought I was going to escape it, but I woke up this morning feeling horrible. Yesterday had been sweltering- hot even by the local's standards. I wasn't sure if the nausea was a result of dehydration or some local fare I ingested. I just knew I was weak, so I crawled back into bed and pulled the covers over my head. The thought of heading back to Mesolandia, one of the poorest barrios in Barranquilla was making it worse. When we were there yesterday we walked around sewage running down the dirt roads and mounds of garbage for about 7 hours. Did I mention it was the hottest day some Colombians were able to remember? It's a long ride to that barrio and I knew once I was there I would be there for the duration. I got up to get my phone to check the time. Maybe I would feel better if I just skipped breakfast and showed up at the bus. After checking the time, I went to put my phone in my purse. Ironically, You Version popped up with the verse of the day. It said, "Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God." I knew that was for me, so I downed some electrolites provided by my dear friend Rita and I started getting dressed. Another friend Vickie greeted me with some rolls from breakfast and Gatorade. The entire bus ride I was praying to feel better. We met in the church to pray and then headed out for more evangelism- walking down those same heart-breaking dirt roads.

The Area of Mesalondia where we were served on Wednesday and Thursday.

The second house we visited was approximately 12 feet wide and 24 feet long. We were greeted by a frail looking woman who invited us in. She asked us to come in and then led us to a tiny room in the back of the house where her son, Ramiro, was laying in bed. Another man, we found out was his brother was exercising Ramiro's legs. During our visit with Ramiro he shared that in March he had been shot and was paralyzed. As he began to share his story he wept. He was a fisherman with 3 children and was grieving the loss of his future- the loss of his world he knew. We laid hands on him and prayed for his family, for his peace, for his pain and for his total and immediate healing. We shared the story of salvation with him and he accepted Christ. He said he knew that God had been with him in the hospital and spared his life for a reason. Before we left his brother also accepted Christ.
As I walked away from his house, I was grateful I hadn't quit. I would have missed a God appointment with Ramiro. I would have missed speaking belief into a young lady named Monica. I would have missed praying over Denise who wept bitterly as I hugged her because she was so lonely.

I lay my head on my pillow tonight humbled to be used by God to love the people in Barranquilla. Our hearts are knit in a way that feels so much bigger than a meeting, a day or a mission trip.

I lay my head on my pillow tonight knowing Ramiro's name is written in the lambs book of life and that whether it be on earth or in heaven, one day he WILL be healed.

Written by: Donna Whitten