Change of Season

Coming from the southern hemisphere I celebrated spring day on 1 September. Until Stephan came home and told me "but it's not" - it's only a leafless autumn. I struggle with change ...

In India thousands of peoples lives changed with the season. The Kosi River left 1.5 million people in Bihar homeless. In the south Christians are murdered and harassed for their faith in Jesus. Terrorists attacked Delhi. This change caught everyone unaware and I know it may be our turn one day. I started thinking on a small scale - what if one house disappears in our street? What if 10 houses disappear in our street? What if our block disappears? Can you imagine the chaos? What about a whole city, homeless, without food and water? We've prayed for the disasters. God can make houses shoot up from the ground, but I think He wants to use our obedient hands and feet also. But it is too far and Stephan refuses to let me go ...

So inspired to help people we took Anandi who has been coughing for 3 weeks to the doctor. As we approach the office I notice something is wrong. It stinks! Around the corner of the door I see 3 babies. I look at the mothers suspiciously. The children close their noses and I want to do it too. Next to the door sits a man that looks out of place. Around his leg is a dirty rag and the flies are feasting around it. That is the origin of the stench! The receptionist snaps out of her denial and after a short conversation she shows the man the door. I know he's not going to get the help he needs - but he is close enough for us to help! After the appointment, I sniffed him out in the market. He sits next to his blind friend. The friend bought a cup of tea and shares it with his wounded friend. Half ends up on the ground and he takes the heavier cup for himself. We talk to the man and explain if he does not clean the wound that he might lose his leg or even his life. But he refuses! After half an hour of begging and a growing, unsympathetic crowd we decided to bring in reinforcements. But the man has already disappeared. We prayed for him. As we went home the same smell hit me again. It's the garbage truck!"

Be strong! Take courage! Don't be intimidated by the king of Assyria and his troops - there are more on our side than on their side. He only has a bunch of mere men; we have our God to help us fight for us."
- God, The Message (2 Chronicles 32:7)