I have been wondering lately if Mary will ever truly understand how much of an impact she has had on my life..
On our first day of ministry at our very first village- our team approached a group of believers with the purpose of giving encouragement through bible verses and prayer. As we walked up my eyes met with a beautiful young girl who I later learned was named Mary. She was eagerly asking for us to pray for her- she showed usher ankle which she said had been hurt from a nail. I don’t think I have ever seen something so disturbing. 20 flies swarmed her open wound that was surrounded by dry crusted skin. We laid hands on her and prayed for God's healing then we bandaged her ankle. When we had finished Mary whispered in my ear "Now God will heal me because you all came."
This 13 year old's faith was such an example to me in that moment. I will never forget it.
We went back three days later but Mary was nowhere to be found. Then her mother stood up and shared that Mary had been healed. She missed two weeks of school due to her ankle injury (she physically couldn't walk the 1 kilometer) but the next day after we had come she had been well enough to go to school.
I was so incredibly happy but at the same time sad that I couldn't see my Mary again. Her mother told me that they could see me at church later that week.
When Sunday came I looked for Mary but didn't see her anywhere. But finally as we were greeting everyone after church my eyes met with the beautiful 13 year old I had met only a week ago. Mary gave me a beautiful bracelet she had made me and after I got my picture with her she said "Now you will always remember me." But I didn't need a picture to remember Mary.
In a few short moments God used her in my life to strengthen my faith, believe and witness His healing power and realize once again how he has called me to work with and disciple young teenagers.
I hope the story of Mary has also blessed you as you read this. Hello to all my friends and family, I miss you all very much. We are heading out on our long journey to Uganda today where I am sure God will give me and my team many more stories in the weeks to come.
Prayer requests:
-Safe travels to Uganda; as much as we miss home we want to give God all we have while we are here so help with staying in the moment; our ministry in Uganda; continued health for me and my team
Please read the blogs from AFX 1 to hear other stories from the perspective of my beautiful teammates!
