Greetings from the October Team!

Looking back over the last two days, I saw the much-needed improvements Mercy Hospital has made. The hospital is beautiful; it looks more like a working small medical campus.  I visited with and prayed for the patients who were housed on the second floor. I remember when mothers would come from long distances just to wait outside in the heat to be seen by the doctor.  In one day, I have observed almost 100 pregnant women who traveled from far away villages to be seen.  Those that came to Mercy where greeted in a building with conformable chairs.  During my visit the mothers participated in a lecture on self-care. I discovered the unique care provided by staff was an encouragement to mothers to take better care of themselves and their children.

Today, we are just getting back from the Village Partnership--what a wonderful experience! We first met with the Chieftains and elders of the village and then with the families.  We were well received by all adults, but the smaller children were afraid to come close to us.  We took pictures of the parents with children who received the rice.  They appear to be very grateful; the language barrier prevented much interaction, but the smiles and happy faces said it all.  I was so impressed with the size of the bags of rice.  We priced the rice we bought based on 50 LB bags, but it actually weighted 50kg or 110.25 lbs! It took 2 men to carry each bag of rice. 

Another great experience was Pastor Chaney and I am learning to speak “Mende.”  We visited a class of young school age children who native language was Mende but was learning to speak English.  After a short time we ask could they help us learn a few words in Mende.  We all had fun sharing with each other, it was a wonderful time.  It is such a blessing to learn while you serve others. 

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Respectfully submitted,
Minister Jackie
House of the Lord Church ​