March 23 - Gina

Several years ago on a mission trip in Guatemala, our group visited a state run orphanage to spend time with handicapped children who had been abandoned by their families. I was extremely nervous about what I would do and say, and more importantly if I would be able to minister in this difficult scenario without completely breaking down.

When we arrived, there were over a dozen or so children - some in wheelchairs, some just lying on the ground. It was obvious they were terribly neglected. The group leader told us to go up to one child and start talking and interacting with them. I scanned the children for someone I would be “comfortable” with and my eyes locked on a young boy who was in a wheelchair. His pants were soiled with urine, he was “tied” to the wheelchair with a sheet because it was obvious he was not in control of his motor skills. I am ashamed to admit it but I whispered to myself “Oh Lord, please not him”.

By then all my friends had paired up with someone so choking back tears I went to this young boy in the wheelchair. I was frozen at first but I tried to interact with him. He was not communicative, he only made grunting sounds. Seeing him up close I realized he had not been bathed in a long time. Our group leader suggested I get a container of baby wipes and use them to wipe his face, arms, hands – any part of his skin that was visible. I wanted to cry and run out of the room at what I was seeing. I didn’t want to be there. But as I proceeded to pull the wipes out and start wiping his face, I found myself completely changed. I started singing to him and all of his uncontrollable body movements ceased. He sat motionless as I wiped him down as best I could.

My heart broke to think this poor child has probably not experienced loving hands caressing him. In that moment, I absolutely knew God was working through me. At first I wanted nothing to do with this experience but the Holy Spirit came and worked through me, and it was a moment I will never forget. And I still think about and pray for that boy, named Marcello.

Lord, may I always allow your Spirit to work through me the way you did that day.