Divine Encounter

January 24, 2014

By Rachael Thompson, an Alliance worker at Bongolo Hospital, Gabon, West Africa

The following is an adapted excerpt from a recent update by Rachael, who home schools the children of Alliance hospital staff members and is a hostess for visiting doctors. She also serves as a part-time chaplain for the hospital’s pediatric ward. Last year, 1,083 people prayed to accept Christ at Bongolo Hospital.

Several weeks ago, I returned from my Christmas vacation in another African country. While my students were away for the holidays, I prepared our classroom for the New Year.

I also spent time with the children in the pediatrics ward. That’s where I met 12-year-old Enoch. Quite thin and listless, he was sitting alone outside his room with an IV needle tightly taped to his arm. I invited him to the children’s class I was leading.

Enoch’s Decision

During the class, Enoch listened quietly as I explained God’s love for us and our need for His Son, Jesus, to save us. When I asked if anybody wanted to pray for salvation, Enoch raised his hand.

Later on, while the children were coloring pictures, Dr. Jen O’Connor came looking for Enoch. She explained that he was dying of a heart problem. She also said his grandmother, who was his only guardian, was so drunk that day she couldn’t care for him. Except for strangers, he had no one to look after him. Dr. O’Connor left some food on his bed to encourage him.

Welcome Home

When I visited the ward a few days later, Enoch was gone. A nurse told me that he had passed away that weekend.

I had not realized Enoch was so near death. I am glad I had an opportunity to tell him about Jesus before he died. Enoch had a chance to make the choice to ask for forgiveness, and he knew who would welcome him into Heaven.

Thank you for your prayers for me and for the kids who come to the hospital.