Little Girl With Badly Burned Feet

Came to Visit with her Mama to say "Thanks'!

I just had almost wonderful surprise visit. Barcelo, my translator, came to tell me that Victoria, the little girl with the badly burned feet, that we have been helping, and that many of you have been praying for, was at the gate with her mother wanting to visit with ‘the bishop’. I went, without hesitation, to the gate to meet this young girl hoping that everything was okay.

She had come with her mother simply to say thanks. The catechist, who had arranged for this little girl to visit the hospital and who has brought her back to see the doctor every other day, was also with them. Mama Victoria (mothers and fathers in Mahajanga are known by the names of their children, I am, for example, Papa Chase!) had asked the catechist if he would bring them to my house, so that they could thank me. I tried, but unsuccessfully, to help back my tears.

I had not met my Mama Victoria before, but it was wonderful to meet her and to laugh with her and to pray with her and her daughter. I anointed her daughter with oil, in fulfillment of James’ epistle. I told them that the next time they came to visit they should come for dinner and that we would all get in the swimming pool together.

Precious Victoria smiled for the first time. So, we've made a promise, as soon as her feet are healed enough, she will come with her Mama, Papa and her siblings, and we will share a meal together and we will swim in the pool.

As Mama expressed her thanks to me, I express my thanks to you. Thank you for your prayers -they have been answered. Thank you to those of you who very kindly sent some funds to cover off her medical expenses, your kind donations have been put to very good use.

Sometimes the Lord arranges ‘divine appointments’ for us. I really believe that meeting this little girl, praying with her, and helping her with her medical expenses have all been orchestrated from above. The Prayer Book says, “the service of God is perfect freedom!” How wonderfully freeing it is to know that God is in control, and we need only to be obedient! He is working His purpose out!!