The group woke up early this morning to prepare for breakfast and devotion before our last adventure on the river to visit the Warao Indians. Although we are all drained physically and mentally and it was difficult to muster up the energy and the same enthusiasm, we knew that we had been called to put our entire hearts into this trip each day and not just the first 5. Despite a few stomach illnesses and exhausted bodies, we came together as a team, put together the remaining supplies, and hopped on the boat for the last day of doing the work of sharing God’s love to the Warao.
After an almost 2 hour boat ride to get the most remote Warao villages, we docked the boats and quickly began preparing to start our usual duties. But this village was different from the rest: most everyone appeared sick; the children had runny noses, dried up scalps, and yellow skin. Natural instinct would have been for our team to be hesitant to fully engage with the kids and adults like the other places, but without hesitation 3, Katie, and Kathy rounded up a group of children, which grew exponentially as word traveled to the groups that we were there, to begin crafts, coloring, games, and making cross necklaces with kids. Mary Katherine and Alex gathered a group of about 20-25 people to squeeze in close for a picture. Despite the living conditions being nearly one on top of the other, when asked to gather as a group and hug each other we could easily tell that they were clueless as to what we were trying to get them to do. We were very humbled seeing their transition from confused, reserved faces to a hugging, smiling family.
Drew began tending to the medical needs of the children with help from Ed. One infant in particular will stand out in our minds forever: within 20 minutes of our arrival word traveled and a grandfather brought him across the river in a dugout canoe because he knew that the child was in serious need of help. He waited patiently until Drew was able to help. The translators were occupied at the time, but Drew and Alex were able to effectively communicate how to treat the infant. Being more remote than other villages, the language barrier was more of a challenge, but Winn and Jeff did an amazing job explaining the DVD players and Jesus film while Tom preached his heart (through help from a translator) to one of the most captive audiences we have seen this whole trip.
After leaving the village we set off to Charlie’s place (a popular rest stop on the river for local and tourists alike). Knowing that Charlie is a man of strong faith and a powerful figure among the Warao in the area, we left a DVD player and Jesus film for him to share with his friends. When we pulled in to his camp this afternoon there were already children sitting around a picnic table watching the movie we left with him. Not long after we visited a family down the river close to Charlie’s camp. We began spreading the Word of Christ and pulled out the DVD player and they told us that they knew about Jesus already because Charlie told them the story earlier that day! It was amazing to when people hear they are called to act in God’s name and then waste no time spreading His love.
The final family we visited on our way back to camp had nearly 25 people in one place and was made up of probably 4 generations in one family. We tied our two boats up to a tree and started passing out the last little bit of crafts we had left over. Not long after we were there, a man and his son rowed up aside us and he spoke Spanish. Our translators told us he was a teacher so we gave him the rest of our paper, pencils, and a few office supplies we had left. Tom asked Alex to lead us all in prayer so the crowed grew quiet as we bowed our head and when Alex started with “Heavenly Father” the teacher begin a prayer in Warao as he raised his hand and towards the end said “Halleluiah.” Even though we didn’t understand a word of it, we knew he had Christ in his heart and it was a beautiful moment.
We waved goodbye and off we went back to the camp to pack up and get ready to go home. The day ended with a nice downpour but there was something refreshing about it all.
What a wonderful day!
i feel like i was reading a chapter in a great book that i did not want to end….which reminds me of lyrics of a great song by keb mo, THE BEGINNING(one of Ben’s favorite artist as well)…Ben if you get this you will have to come preach in meridian in feb. KEB MO is going to be in meridian on a sat. nite….rick
Early in the morning
Late at night
Cause in the end
It’s a new beginning
In my life
There’s beauty everywhere
On the mountain high
And the valley so low
But when I leave
And my soul flys away
Somewhere to a place
That nobody really knows
When I get there
I probably won’t write no letter
You just got to come on
And see for yourself
Cause in the end
Its a new beginning
Just gotta come on in
And see for yourself
Cause in the end
Its just a new beginning
Hi Ed,
It has been so wonderful to see and hear what you and your group are doing and accomplishing everyday. The faces of these children are so adorable. What an EXPERIENCE!!! I miss you an will se you tomorrow. I love you.
Not only are you ministering to the Indians, but to all of us as well. It is truly heart warming and a blessing to see what you all are doing.
I feel so blessed to distantly be a part of this. God is great, God is so good.
Love,
Sky
Hello to Kathy and Jeff and all the rest of you as well,
It appears as though you had a very successful trip–lots of ministering and showing your faith through simple kindnesses–coloring, making necklaces, providing health services and most importantly talking about Jesus and sharing the DVDs. Have a safe trip back to the states. Can’t wait to hear more of the details. God’s Blessings to all, donna
What great ministry – looking forward to Oct. in St. Petersburg!! Blessings – Gail Michael