The Hand of God

The wind felt like a heater blasting on me as I zipped along the streets of Davao in the open-air tricycab. I was on my way to the hospital again to visit one of my patients, Emilie. On Sunday she had walked into the clinic ready to have her baby; before I knew it she was pushing and I was ready to catch. A few minutes later her baby came out limp and with no breathing efforts. We began neonatal resuscitation which lasted for a brutal ten minutes before the baby finally gave out a feeble cry. I then transported the baby immediately, but because the hospital was busy, she didn't receive direct attention. I left with the baby still crying, but not in good condition. I prayed hard.

As I stepped inside the crowded hospital, I subconsciously switched my breathing from my nose to mouth. But now I could taste the air. I found Emilie in one of the crowded rooms, and with one glance at the baby's respiration's I knew she wasn't doing well. After talking with Emilie, I discovered that both oxygen and medication had be prescribed, but none were given since she had no money. Emilie looked distressed, and I felt so helpless, knowing I could do nothing. Our policy at Mercy does not allow us to provide financial support for our patients. This policy may seem unreasonable and harsh, but if you knew the system here, you would understand. Still, it is so hard. I asked her if I could pray for her and her baby, and as I did the tears flowed freely. I hugged her and encouraged her to trust God to provide.
The next day I went again, and found her still sitting on the little steel chair beside her baby's crib- that's all the space she had in the room. But she was smiling, and the baby appeared to be doing better. In her broken English she told me what had happened. "Ma'am Sarah, after you left last night my husband showed up with some money that was enough to pay for the medicine and oxygen- it was because you prayed!" I felt like bursting into tears of joy! Yes, our prayers had been answered! And once again I was reminded to never underestimate the power of prayer and the grace of our God.
On Thursday evening I felt compelled go visit her again. After a few minutes of visiting, Emilie sheepishly asked me if I had received a text message from her. I hadn't since my phone battery had died that afternoon while I was out. She than explained to me that her husband had been called out to a far place for his job and was not able to come that day with money. This meant she had nothing to eat all day. Her desperate situation made me want to weep. And then I realized why God had sent me there that evening. We may not be allowed to give money, but we can give food! :)
Emilie's life (along with so many others here) makes me continually realize how blessed we are- we have no idea! But this experience, as hard as it may be, also encourages me to see how God is still in control and continues to meet the greatest needs in His perfect time. And to thing that we have the amazing privileged to see His mighty hand and power of love in action.
"That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever" (Joshua 4:24).

Please continue to pray! Little is much when God is in it!

Sending "warm" greetings to you all!
SH