A group of our men returned last week from a deployment to Durant Mississippi, one of many towns affected by tornadoes that swept through the South a couple of weeks ago. The town is located in the poorest county of Mississippi and continues to be in need of volunteers to help with recovery efforts.
Some deployments seem to have a defining moment –particular encounters that remind us of why we do what we do. Tuesday morning took us to a Quonset shaped home that was in need of a tarp on one of its walls. The occupants all survived the tornado but for this household even greater battles are still being fought.
Both the father, Isaiah, and his 42 year old son Thomas are experiencing the ravages of cancer and, short of God intervening in a miraculous way, will soon move into eternity. Isaiah laid moaning on his hospital bed in the living room, emaciated, one eye missing and his face so sunken in he was barely recognizable, trying to find some sort of relief from the pain. His wife Mattie stood stoically at his bedside, showing little emotion. We offered what comfort we could bring through holding his hands in prayer, singing the hymn Amazing Grace, and then presenting a Bible from Samaritan’s Purse, an organization we partner with on deployments.
Just an hour earlier we had assisted Isaiah’s son Thomas into a car as a health care attendant was in the process of transporting him to the hospital for treatment related to liver failure. He too was wasting away, well under 100 pounds and barely able to support himself. Not knowing if we would ever see him again, the condition of his soul became a far greater concern than even his physical well-being. The gospel was shared in as clear and concise manner as possible and he was asked that if he had any uncertainly about his eternal destiny, to invite Christ to be his Savior. He did acknowledge his need and in a barely audible voice received Him as Lord. It was a touching moment as we prayed with him, the nurse waiting patiently with her hand on my shoulder during the prayer.
Serving others in time of need for the purpose of sharing the gospel is really where it’s at and I mean this in all sincerity when I say that each of you are as much a part of this work through prayer and giving as the men who go out onto the field. Thanks so much for partnering with us. You will also be encouraged to know that over 38 people have already come to Christ in this community through the ministry of Samaritans Purse and others. The fields of Durant are truly ripe unto harvest!
Blessings on each of you…
