Doc

10-25-08

There are always things going on here in Hawaii. Lives are being changed, healed, and transformed. God is truly working in this world. I have realized that the power and persistence of prayer is such an important thing. Pretty much allowing God, the Spirit to take charge. I am only the hands and feet, trying to do His work.

Four or five days a week, about three to four of us visit A’ala Park, near downtown Honolulu. Many homeless hang out there until they are kicked out at 9:00 p.m., forced to sleep in door walkways. We have built very strong relationships with most of these people. There are quite a few characters, including one guy named Doc who is in his sixties. The first time I met him he was laying on a piece of wet cardboard, unable to move. He had been there for a few days. I sat next to him and could feel the pain in his voice. A Navy veteran, he told me some war stories.

Despite the smile on his face, it was the open sores, swollen elbow and crooked and aching back that revealed to me a broken, hurting man. I prayed with him and then he returned the favor by blessing me with a powerful prayer that changed me. That was about a week ago. Yesterday I stopped by the park to just chat with some of the guys. As we talked I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Doc! He was walking, the sores were healing, and the swelling in his elbow had gone way down so that he could now move his arm.

He told me he felt much better, and was each day getting better. That was such a special thing for him and for me. Please continue to pray for Doc and his health.