Mei-Ling: Tidbits from yesterday

It's just after 6am and Amy has already checked her email, I've washed my hair and we've begun a load of laundry. Last night, I spent time in much needed prayer for Lyanne. Her mosquito bites (in multiples of 10) were swollen red and were draining fluid. For her, the evening was spent with paper towel or tissue in hand dabbing several bites. She's not awake yet
but thankfully, it looks as though the swelling has gone down. Some of us on the team were concerned about the condition in which we would be returning her to her parents.

Our visit to the nursing home yesterday was a truly blessed time for us and I believe, for the patients as well. Our host, Mr. Onoe, has faithfully attended Nokendai Bible Fellowship since it began. Out of 10,000 flyers that were distributed throughout the community announcing the new church, he was the only one who responded.

At first, Kohichi and Shirley were going to join us at the nursing home, but at the last minute were not able to. So, Kohichi spent some time reviewing with Mr. Onoe the Bible story and Bridge Illustration that Ev would be sharing. At the nursing home, I noticed one particular woman quietly singing along as we sang Jesus Loves Me. Other patients tapped their hands to the rhythm. I held the flannel board as Ev presented the Bridge Illustration. God gave her the words to communicate a clear and compelling presentation. As I silently prayed, I noticed many, even the staff, very attentive (the others were dozing). As Ev was closing the presentation, I thought, "Ask them to raise their hands, ask them to raise their hands!" Well, I guess God wasn't communicating the same thing to Ev but that's okay. Instead, Ev invited those who wanted to become a part of God's family to speak with Mr. Onoe. Praise God!!

When all 18 of us met for orientation last Friday, we shared our expectations and what we hoped to accomplish. Beyond a doubt, we all wanted to make the most of our time and do the best we could do during our short time here. As I look back on our visit to the nursing home, I truly have a sense that God is nodding his head saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"