Manuel

 

In March 2011 I was given the opportunity to go on one of Living Water Teaching's Medical Campaigns. It was very successful and we were able to treat over 3,000 people. There was this one guy in particular that I think changed us all. His name is Manuel. 

When we first arrived in the city we noticed this drunk always hanging around. He was continually walking up to us asking us for food and money. One night after a church service this same guy was layed out in the middle of the street, passed out. We went out there to check on him. When we noticed that he was still alert we started ministering to him. One of our members continued to pick him up by the collar of his shirt and began speaking God's promises over him. We just kept telling him that the devil has no authority. And eventually, in his drunken state, he agreed to accept Christ. Honestly I didn't think anything would happen. He was drunk and didn't know what he was doing. But I was wrong.

 The next day we saw this same guy showered with clean clothes and standing in the line of our medical clinic! He was treated and the gospel was presented to him again! THEN, the last night we were there we were walking back to our rooms and we saw all these kids standing around our door. It was Manuel, his wife, his mother-in-law, and all 6 of his children. They all had come to tell us how grateful they were that we had come. This man's life was radically changed in a matter of 3 days. 

Most of the time we don't see the harvest, we only know we're sowing good seeds. But don't get discouraged. This experience taught me that God is always moving, even when we don't see Him. Continue to sow into people's lives. Maybe you won't see the reaping of the harvest, but it's there. Have faith. 

"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith." 

Galatians 6:9