From the start of our food distribution ministry, we had been visiting them. Two sisters, both bedridden, cared for by the husband of one of them. Although their physical condition was anything but stable, both sisters were talkative every time we came. For them, our arrival meant a moment in which the routine of everyday life was broken, for us it meant we had the opportunity to encourage them and pray with them. What a privilege, and how it affected me at the same time that we could do so little for these people.
The next-door neighbor didn’t like the fact that I visited them, but not her. She also wanted to receive food from us every Saturday and thought the need in her situation was just as bad. It was difficult to explain to her why we made these choices. Unfortunately, week after week, no kind word could be said to us.
A few weeks ago I parked the van in the street again. Before I even got out, the same neighbor came towards us with a lot of commotion. One of the sisters had died the day before and the house was in mourning. When we entered we found the husband in the bedroom, sitting there on a chair, silent and shaken. He told us that his wife had ended up in the hospital. After being able to visit her on Tuesday, He had not seen her since. She had died on Friday. Because his wife was always silent when they were in an argument, he wondered desperately what he had done wrong. He didn’t even have had the chance to say goodbye. Well, what do you say in such a situation? We just stayed with him for a while, told him that God has the answers, that He knows what He is doing, that He will make everything right. Before we left we prayed together; for him, for his sister-in-law, for the whole family.
The following week condolences and a cremation followed. In the meantime I visited them a few times and last week I came back again to bring food. This time two portions instead of three. When I walked in and greeted him, he looked at me with a beaming smile. “I want to go to church again,” he said, “we’re going to plan it. I’ve had time to think about everything that has happened and I’m good to go. I have your WhatsApp number. I’ll let you know when I can go and we will sort it out.” Completely surprised, I said: “Fine, just let me know, you are very welcome to come along.” It continues to surprise me how God answers prayers every time. After praying for him, I got back in the van happy. As I drove down the street, this time I received a friendly wave from the neighbor. Of course I waved back. Apparently it’s not just him who has changed!