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Our Christian small group heard about
an elderly woman who lived alone, bedridden for several years.
So three of us decided to go pay her a visit.
Shocking discovery
We arrived on bicycles at a very dilapidated house. Grass was
growing on the roof, and spider webs covered the windows.
As soon as we pushed the door open, a stench overwhelmed
us. We were startled by a weak voice, and fixed our attention
on a pair of lifeless eyes under disheveled hair, lying on
a plank bed. We were shocked.
One woman of our group began cleaning and
airing out the house, while the other tended to the old woman,
whose body was covered with open bedsores. She washed the
old woman’s body,
changed her clothing, and laundered her soiled and bloodstained
bed linen.
Touched by kindness
The old woman was so touched by our help that she wept uncontrollably.
She asked, “Who are you? Why are you helping me?” We
replied, “We are children of God; the Lord’s
grace has come to your house today.” Before we departed,
we placed a pot of fragrant Jasmine in her room.
We began visiting the elderly woman each week. We brought
her medicine, and we read the Bible with her. As we prayed
for her, she grew healthier and drew closer to God.
Jesus melts hearts
One day while reading the Bible together, the old woman’s
daughter-in-law showed up. She was shocked by the improvement
in her mother-in-law’s health and the condition of
her house. Through the mouth of the old woman, she learned
who we were and what we had done. She was so greatly moved
and melted by the love of God that she accepted Jesus!
Now a small group of believers meets at
the elderly woman’s
house—the beginnings of a growing church family.
-Ms. Zhao, Bible League trained church planter |
