Missionaries of Charity

The ship is involved in other ministries off the ship and they are called Mercy Ministries. Yesterday, I went with a group of about 12 others to the Missionaries of Charity compound. It is like a hospital that is run by four nuns, one of whom is a nurse. They house and care for patients with TB, HIV/AIDS and malaria. The place is filled with so much love and joy, but at the same time pain and sadness. The babies that were there were the smallest babies I have ever seen. Babies that are a year old look as if they are 1 month old. They are so skinny and appear very malnourished. Yet they are the sweetest, loving children. When I walked into the room where the mothers and babies stay, I saw many babies lying on the beds, some with intravenous fluids attached to them. Those that couldn't get up looked as if they were so near to death. It broke my heart. The mothers were so glad to see us, and were eager to share their children with us and to be prayed for.

There are three living quarters, one for mothers and children, one for woman, and one for men. I went into the men's quarters and there was one man lying in bed. All the others were outside on the porch. His name was King David. He said that he was very weak and couldn't get out of bed today. His body hurt and he said he had no strength. I was with Patricia, one of the leaders of this Mercy Ministry, and she offered to pray for him. We prayed that God would give him strength and that he may be able to see the sunlight today. He was greatful for the prayer. We then went back outside to sing with the patients and made a beaded craft with them. While we were doing so, King David joined us!! It was so wonderful to see how God answered prayer so quickly. I then helped make him a craft.

Me and King David

I also met a man who had just arrived at the Missionaries of Charity two days prior after having "cough" as he described it. As he was talking to me about being sick, he began to cry. I was able to encourage him to trust in Christ and to remember that our strength comes from Him.

Me and the TB patient, I wish I remembered his name, King David, and Fouday, our day worker

All the men wanted a picture with me :)

I really enjoyed being here so see and be a part of the work that these four women have been called to.
The love that is shared among the people and from the staff to the people is incredible. They are able to support each other and be there for one another. I think especially of the mothers with their babies. Many of the babies will not live much longer, yet the mothers can be there to support each other. Singing and worshipping God with them was also a great experience. I hope to soon again go to the Missionaries of Charity to spend some time with these people.