September 2009
The first Children's International World Congress to be held in Africa. Nearly 200 delegates attended this special event to Nurture their Spirits. During Marie's presentation, over 50 participants of nurses, doctors, social workers, chaplains, and caregivers gained knowledge on simple techniques to care for themselves. Faced with the burdens of bearing testimony to the suffering of children and their families, in addition to their own personal struggles, these caregivers often do not care for themselves. Twenty minutes of focusing on themselves lifted their spirits and soothed their souls. This event will stay in their thoughts for years to come. Visit ICPCN to read more about the conference and current events in pediatric palliative care.
TBA as events occur
An example of the faith of a child- submitted by Ellie, a nurse in Mexico
Fri. Oct. 2, 2009
Sandra C. loves to worship and her style is unique. This morning,
her voice cut through all the others singing and, by itself, carried my heart
to God. She was in a private moment, but still I had to look at her. Twenty-nine
and gorgeous, she has rich brown hair and dark almond-shaped eyes that express
much more than her mouth. Her head leaned slightly down and to the right; arms
extended stiffly out in front. By the furrowed brow and pouty lips, one may
have thought she was in pain, but I knew it was pure passion.
“the
Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
(Romans 8:26)
Sandra’s song was an impossible
blend of plaintive moaning and holy praise. It was a window into the depth of
Christ’s love for her and an intimate sharing of His passion and joy.
“Gracias, Cristo!” we sang over and over.
Sandra’s gratefulness to God sounded profound. Yet, confined to a
wheelchair by Cerebral Palsy and dependent on others for all her care, I
wondered for what was she grateful. Few people at the mission can understand
her garbled speech, so, many, as I did at first, assume she is mentally
handicapped. Nothing could be more untrue.
Two years ago, after I’d become accustomed to walking by her or throwing
her a quick smile, we heard her testimony. A friend who had taken the time to
really listen, read us the story of Sandra’s life: the complications at her
birth, her father’s faithful care, and her strong dependence on Jesus Christ.
These were simply details; the fact that struck my innermost being was that I
had underestimated her. Here was a bright young woman with a great sense of
humor, understanding of two languages, an ability to write music and absolute
passion for the Lord and His people!
“Lord, I want more of you! Lord,I want more of you! I want to feel you
in me all of my life!”
Sandra wrote these lyrics and whenever we sing them in sala, respect for
this woman overcomes me, that what she desires most, before a healthy body or
clear speech, is intimacy with her Savior.
There is a wide chasm between the way I viewed Sandra before and how I
do now. Listening to her story, hearing her voice, getting to know her; these
things gave me entrance to her being, where I could grasp her true beauty and
have a relationship with her. As I used to ignore Christ until the Bible opened
up His story to me, the voice of
Jesus gave me access to God, and I entered into the miraculous state of
friendship with the Divine.
Thank you, Sandra, for reminding me - He hides His greatest treasures
for those who seek Him most earnestly!
“Show me your face, let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.”
An example of the faith of a child- submitted by Ellie, a nurse in Mexico