My Roomie

Linda and I shared a room at the Sirikwa Hotel in Eldoret, Kenya during the Open Arms medical outreach. She had the usual amount of luggage for a team member – two 50 pound bags. One bag contained Open Arms supplies and the other was for her personal items. Her personal bag contained several large ziplock bags filled with prescription drugs. She could have opened her own pharmacy! I soon learned that Linda has suffered with rheumatoid arthritis for 35 years. Her treatment regimen (including chemo) had to be adjusted in order for her to travel with the Soul Safari 09 team.

We went to the Open Arms Village on Saturday, March 14, 2009. My favorite spot in Eldoret is the waterfall, which is a short walk downriver from the village. It is a beautiful place to enjoy God’s creation. I was concerned for Linda as we began our walk to the waterfall. I knew she had taken a lot of medication the day before to combat intense pain. Her legs and feet were very swollen by the time we arrived at our destination.

Several Kenyan friends met us at the top of the waterfall for our team devotions. We worshipped God in song before a time of prayer. David Gallagher asked Linda if we could pray for her. She was shocked to agree. It was way out of her “comfort zone.” Several of us prayed with Linda, which was lead by a Kenyan pastor - Esther.

Linda noticed that her knees didn’t hurt when she was walking back to the bus. She had to stop to retie her shoes, because they were too loose. All the swelling was gone from her feet and legs! SHE WAS HEALED!!!

I have witnessed hundreds of Africans healed of many ailments, but this was the first time one of my team members was healed physically. It’s not just for Africans!

Linda had a doctor’s appointment when she returned to Oregon. He was upset when she told him she wasn’t taking her medications. Then she explained that she felt great and didn’t need them. When he examined her, he was surprised at his findings. He finally told her, "I think Linda you had a divine intervention...I can't treat you for now, there is nothing to treat."

To God be the GLORY!

Back in the USA

I took four modes of transportation on April 1st from Thornbury, Bristol, England to McMinnville, Oregon - train, bus, plane, car. The G20 was in London that day. The BBC News broadcast at our departure gate showed riots in a large area of London. I was thankful that my friends were able to route me around that mess. They are clever ones;)

We had a bit of a Linfield College reunion at Terminal 1, Gate C23 of O'Hare airport in Chicago. I heard someone call my name when I located the gate. It was Lisa Garvey '86. While Lisa and I were chatting, Brad Perry '88 showed up. It was great to see them again AND Lisa gave me a ride home from the airport. My friend who was scheduled to pick me up at the airport was pleased to cancel a late night trip to PDX:)