There are countless stories of lives changed because of the Medical Missions Outreach Brigade hosted by Team Honduras this past week. As you read the story of Maria, will you pray about how you can be involved in world missions? There are many more Marias still waiting for help.
Maria (name has been changed) was desperate. This was not what she had planned at all. She knew Christ as her Savior, had attended church faithfully, and loved her husband. However, somehow along the way, problems began to creep into her marriage. Discouraged and backslidden, she had dropped out of church; things began to spiral downward from there. She and her husband separated for two months, and she was absolutely miserable. She knew it was wrong, but during this time, she sought comfort in the company of another man.
She and her husband were back together, trying to reassemble the pieces. But Maria began to feel the familiar nausea and tiredness that could only mean one thing. She was pregnant. Instead of turning to the Lord, she sought advice from her friends. "Take this pill. It will take care of everything, and he will never know," she was told. Her conscience burned, but she could not bear the thought of facing her husband with what she had done. She took the pill and waited. Nothing happened.
"Oh, if that didn't work, you need to go get an injection," the unsaved friends advised. Maria once again silenced the Holy Spirit and tried to erase what she had done. Still nothing.
Finally, she went into her room, locked the door, and physically removed the life growing inside of her. In agonizing pain, she hid the bowl of evidence under her bed, praying no one would find out. She had never been more ashamed of anything in her life.
Maria developed a high fever, continued bleeding, and was in great pain. She told her family members only that she was sick, and they began to worry. Her brother told her of a Medical Brigade that was being hosted by the church where he faithfully attended with his family. "It's right down the road, Maria, at the school. Why don't you let the nurses there examine you? Maybe they have some medicine that would help."
Maria reluctantly went to the clinic and spoke with Michelle McPhillips, CRNP, about 
her symptoms. Not having the full story, Michelle was puzzled. She knew something was wrong, and she was not getting all the information she needed. She asked Maria to return the next day. This time, Michelle directed her questions toward Maria's spiritual condition. She recognized the agony on this lady's face; it came from something deeper than physical pain. The more they talked, the more of the story came out. Michelle sent Maria directly to the hospital to be treated for the sepsis related to the home abortion. She needed blood, an ultrasound, and a DNC. Late that night, Michelle and Lauren Kubik, RN, headed up to the hospital to visit Maria. After checking with her nurses and inquiring about her progress, Michelle took Maria's hand and sat on the bed next to her. "Do you know you could have died this week?"
her symptoms. Not having the full story, Michelle was puzzled. She knew something was wrong, and she was not getting all the information she needed. She asked Maria to return the next day. This time, Michelle directed her questions toward Maria's spiritual condition. She recognized the agony on this lady's face; it came from something deeper than physical pain. The more they talked, the more of the story came out. Michelle sent Maria directly to the hospital to be treated for the sepsis related to the home abortion. She needed blood, an ultrasound, and a DNC. Late that night, Michelle and Lauren Kubik, RN, headed up to the hospital to visit Maria. After checking with her nurses and inquiring about her progress, Michelle took Maria's hand and sat on the bed next to her. "Do you know you could have died this week?"Maria's eyes filled with tears as the reality hit her. "Yes, I know."
"Where would you have gone, Maria?"
The weight of Maria's sin had caused her to even doubt her salvation. Michelle led her through the Roman's Road verse by verse, wanting to be sure that Maria knew her eternal destiny. When Maria assured her that she had indeed repented of her sins and trusted Christ, Michelle continued by telling her of her own testimony, sharing personal hardships and battles that the Lord had brought her through.
"You know that the Lord is there for you when no one else is, don't you Maria?" Maria nodded, her heart heavy with the knowledge that she had failed Him. She knew she needed to ask for His forgiveness. As they prayed together in the dark room, she felt a burden being lifted. No, she didn't deserve His love and forgiveness. No one did. But she knew He did love her. Why else would he send these sweet nurses to care for her exactly when she needed it most? They were proof that He still cared.
She would start over. It wouldn't be easy, but she would seek her husband's forgiveness, she would go back to church, she would move on. Most of all, she would guard that precious relationship with her Lord. He had reached out to her in her time of greatest need.
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? -I John 3:17
Wonderful to read the above story again. I am so glad for the opportunity to have been a small part of the miracles that God worked (and will continue to work) two weeks ago. Also, I appreciate your post from July about Zelaya. I now have a better grasp on the situation. I actually emailed the White House to ask about their position on this issue; I'm sure there won't be a reply! We continue to pray re: your email today as the situation remains difficult. May our God supply all your needs through Christ Jesus.
--David Hurst
Christine, It's so great to hear how Maria is doing!! I continue to keep her and the many others who were seen and seeds were planted. I am so truly humbled to be a part of God's plan for El Progresso and the work you guys have begun. I know it is just the beginning and I can't wait to return and see the new building and the familiar faces. You guys stay in our hearts and prayers!!!
~Lauren Kubik
Precious story, girl! How many hurting people (spiritually and physically) have found relief through your ministry there! We pray for you and miss you all so!
Love lil' Claire for us!
Cousin Kimberly and co.
Me gusta lo q hace siga asi sus historias son buen lindas me gusta leerlas la felicito siga asi. Suerte :)