Not Always What You Expect

The government tourism agency here in PNG used to use the slogan "The Land of the Unexpected." Really, the Christian life is full of surprises, and not just in lush tropical island paradises. Just when you fall into a pattern, a habit, God has a way of gently turning you in new directions.

Just today, for instance, I had to tell a lady named Agnes that she had inoperable cancer. Sadly, that's nothing new in my work here. In fact, it was the second time today. I went through my usual explanations about pain control, help with whatever symptoms she developed, making sure that she understood that I wasn't writing her off as someone that I couldn't help, even if that help did not include cure. And then, as I usually do, I tried to turn the conversation to spiritual matters. Once it is clear that the body will not last much longer, I always want to make sure that my patients are prepared for eternity.

Her husband, John, was with her, and although in our conversation it appeared that she understood my Pidgin, she would only speak in their local language, and he would translate for her. When I asked if they were Christians, he nodded toward his wife and said, "Mama's a Christian." I looked at him and asked, "but Papa's not?" He silently nodded his confirmation.

After asking some clarifying questions to make sure that they both understood what I was talking about, I asked if he'd like to become a Christian. Again he silently, but definitely nodded. I didn't want to assume anything about what he thought I was asking him, so I briefly explained God's plan of salvation. His wife then started speaking to him in their local language, but stopped and turned to me, and said in perfectly clear Pidgin, "I'll translate what you say for him."

Now suddenly we were in an area that she knew about. She was no longer shy. She could speak with confidence. At times her translation turned into a conversation between wife and husband, usually ending with him nodding, and then they would both wait for me to continue. Obviously, she was explaining in more detail than I was, and making sure he understood and agreed.

As I finished my explanation, I again asked if what I had talked about is what he really wanted to do. Again that nod.

I laid my hands on each of their shoulders, but as I started to pray each of them reached up and took my hand as they took each other's. As we sat there in our little circle, God joined us. I prayed for Agnes, and then for John. Then I offered to lead John in prayer. He softly copied my words in a prayer of confession and repentance, asking Jesus to come into his life, and to forgive his sins.

As we finished praying it seemed that none of us wanted the time together to end. We continued to hold hands for several minutes. Finally Agnes looked up and as our eyes met, she gave me a big smile. I can't remember ever seeing a patient smile within minutes of being told that they have a terminal disease.

So I expected to be ministering to the patient, the one with the bad disease. But God had different plans for today. He wanted to minister to us all.

Yours and His,
Andy
Photos (Not directly related to the story):
#1 Judy at Suicide Rock
#2 Andy at Suicide Rock