[googlevideo width="400" height="326"]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4751126217610902448&hl=en[/googlevideo] This morning we dropped off the medical supplies from America (some from Cornerstone) to Evangel Hospital. It reminds me more of a MASH unit than an American hospital, and yet it has the most advanced specialties in certain areas in all of West Africa. Amazing. When you first go into a place here you notice its odor. There is a stong odor to the children’s ward (and other areas of the hospital) despite the fact that every room has open (screened) windows. I’ve noticed the odor fading into the background as we’ve gotten involved with kids and people.

At Gidan Bege (which means House of Hope) we visited with kids off the street. Two boys we visited with have been checking it out on Wendesdays (the day of the free food). Joel prompted me to share the gospel with one of them using the evangecube.. I felt so lost up to that point – feeling somewhat paralyzed by my ignorance of protocal, what is expected, and who everyone is. I shared the gospel through a translator – a Nigerian lady who helps the nurses. The boy understood and prayed with me. We then shared with his friend and he also prayed. Only God knows how that seed will grow but my prayer for them is to rpotect them from Muslim retribution and bring them off the streets to live at Gidan Bege.

The resident boys grew interested in the evangecube so I shared with them through Joseph (the man who lives with the boys). These boys also prayed to receive Christ. I have more hope for that seed to grow in these boys as they have someone there to disciple them. Rhonda then read the story of Jonah to them while Joseph translated. She is an amazing storyteller! We also saw many beggar women come in for a hot meal. Rhonda and Cindy (Anthis) served the food as they all listened to an evangelist. Many also stayed for the medical clinic that Cindy and one of the other missionaries conducted.

Afterward we went to a leper town in Bukaru. Leper town is a neighborhood where people living with the long term effects of leprosy. We met the cheif and his wife. Some saw people waiting with ailments (mostly rashes), while others of us went outside and played with the many children who wanted to hold our hands and touch our skin. The places these people live are like caves made of concrete. 8×8 rooms without windows and maybe a mattress. They may cook in there too. And yet, some without fingers, toes, and eyesight, they greet us enthusiastically and with a sense of humor. As we were leaving I blew a soccer ball to give them, which in hindsight was not a good idea. We nearly saw a riot as the children fought over it. I was afraid one would be seriously hurt.

Yours,
Carter