Magdalena

So, three weeks ago in Ndori, myself and a few others met a wonderful Dani (that’s Luo, the local language, for “grandmother”) named Magdelina.  Several days that week, we were asked to visit homes (so I’ll admit, our group only ever made it to one home).  Magdalena’s house is the first one that we came to, about 200m from the compound that we were staying in.  When we first arrived, she was sitting outside on a mat.  so, we sat down and began to visit with her.  We soon learned of the leg injury that she had recently obtained, so obviously and poorly bandaged.  A loose cow had charged her, sticking its horns into her leg, dragging her, and breaking her femur in two places.  Bear in mind that this woman is in her nineties and that, prior to her accident, was still maintaining her house independently.  And, as a testament to the strength of the Kenyan people, her only concern was to regain her independence.  Never mind the pain or lack of money to pay for medical care, just give me my independence!  After visiting for a while, we decided to help her youngest daughter, who was taking care of Magdalena and herself was in her late fifties, do some chores.  I slashed the compound (essentially mowing, just not grass and a lawnmower, but bushes and a machete), we washed all of her laundry, and the girls helped to mud her house (re-plaster, but with a mud, cow patty, and water mix).  We had a great time doing some physical labor and having the opportunity to minister in both word and deed.  Our group went back to her house every day to visit and pray with her and help with any other chores she needed done.  By the time we left, all she could talk about was how much we, American kids, loved this old, Kenyan dani.  And it’s true.  We really do love her.

I suppose it is true that Jesus knew what he was talking about (Ok, so that was a bit facetious).  Love God and love others.  That’s the simplest form in which our faith can be had, the two greatest commandments.  The relational gospel of our faith (as opposed to the systematic approach many take today) can and does have a huge impact on people’s lives.  It is this that relational love, not a systematic doctrine, that causes true changes in people’s lives.  Praise the Lord for His love for all of us lowly sinners, and that He chooses to use us, broken vessels, to carry the marvelous mystery of His gospel! Halelujah, Amen!

 I had the opportunity to visit her a week after we left, when we went back to Ndori to pass our mosquito nets.  She was overjoyed to see us again, as were we with her.  Her leg was doing much better, and the swelling had been drastically reduced.  Just another testament to the power of prayer!

Please continue praying for Magdalena.  She is involved in a cult called, I believe, Legion Maria, a break-off from the Catholic church that focuses its worship on Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Please pray that she will continue to learn the truth and that the love of Jesus would overcome her as He continues to shine His light on her!