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True story. A man was born blind. The disciples asked Jesus what he or his parents did wrong that would cause the blindness. His answer below…
On the last couple trips, I have shared this story from John 9 over and over, most recently on the last trip to Puerto Rico. A small team of us joined by a handful of our Puerto Rican family visited a Children's Cancer Hospital. Our focus was the floor that treated children stage 4 cancer and beyond. It worked like this:
Three gals entered as clowns, introduced themselves-and us. We'd smile, touch shoulders, shake hands, kiss cheeks… We made small talk, played with the younger ones and I took the older ones' phones to find my name on Facebook and become "official" friends. The team sang; we'd ask to pray for them. We'd pray, take a picture, and say goodbyes. Then we'd walk out of the room and cry in the hall.
I thought I might have a word for the children, but no…instead I played with the children and teased the older ones. Getting a smile out of them was a rush. For that second, they forgot. But for the mothers, aunts, and family who sat in the rooms with them… the weight was heavy. Their bodies shook as we prayed. Looking into their eyes, I reminded them that their illness is not the effect of his/her sin, or that of their parents. But that it was a work of God…so that when they are restored…that HE would get the glory and praise!
"I'm healed!"
Connie's brother, Kevin, has a non-profit called Love Transfusion that I want to share with you. In 2007 he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. And… miraculously… the Lord healed him! Today, there is no sign of cancer in his body–something that is all God! But it was during the time of his diagnosis and dealing with his sickness that the idea of Love Transfusion came to him. When worry… fear… confusion overwhelmed him, it seemed like God always sent someone to encourage him. Sometimes he'd sit at his computer late at night, reading emails from people he'd never met, who were going through the same thing he was… or had gone through the same thing he had… or weren't going through it, but had heard of him and were praying for him. The encouragement he found during that time changed his life. It was then he promised God that if he were healed, he'd start a non-profit where people could encourage, pray for, and even "meet" (virtually) people with life threatening illnesses or debilitating life conditions.
This is how it works… someone sends Kevin and/or his wife, Julie, the story of someone who is hurting or sick… someone who needs prayer. They post it online, and people from all over the world read these stories. They pray. They comment. A "like" under the story means a virtual hug… or a prayer sent. This is a beautiful way to reach out… to help those who need to be encouraged. Right now, over 52,000 people like Love Transfusion.
So… for example… do you remember Francisco from Costa Rica? Kevin made a video (below) of Francisco's story and posted it on his site. So, in addition to those who read mine, Connie's, and the Costa Rica blog… over 52,000 people have had the opportunity to read his story! Francisco really will NOT be forgotten!
You can check them out on their website, which is under construction, or find them on Facebook.
