Article by Lindsay Steele at Mission Network News
In rural areas of Mozambique, terminally ill people are pushed away. They’re isolated and alienated. Often times, they’re even put in mud or grass huts and don’t see anyone. Why?
“Because of fear of death, fear of the spirits after death; people don’t know how to deal with someone who’s at the end of life. Families don’t know how to care,” Audio Scripture Ministries (ASM) Chad Vanden Bosch says.
Misinformation and misunderstanding are leading families to separate themselves when sick loved ones need them most. But, ASM is changing this through a new compassionate care ministry project.
ASM staff are on the move, coming alongside rural families and their terminally ill loved ones with education and more. “They’re using hospice palliative methods, along with Audio Scripture materials to minister to those who are suffering from incurable diseases,” explains Vanden Bosch.
Wildlife Storytellers — stuffed animals containing ASM audio Bibles — are given to terminally ill patients by ASM staff. Along with the hope of Jesus, these Storytellers offer patients — especially children — a friend to hold at all times.
Furthermore, ASM provides medical supplies. “They will provide basic medical comfort care to those who are suffering from incurable diseases, many of whom have never stepped foot inside a hospital before.” The supplies are acts of love in and of themselves. Most patients would never be able to afford medicine or travel to clinics with supplies.
ASM has already seen the blessings of this project, and have even received favor from the local government and local hospital. But the program and ASM staff desperately need your prayers.
Most patients are AIDS and HIV-positive. Others have suffered from strokes or heart diseases, which have left them immobile. It’s not only hard for family members to see what their loved ones are going through, it’s also hard for ASM staff members.
“It’s very difficult for the staff. It’s very hard for them to see people that they’ve become so close to, visiting so often, coming to the end of their life.”
Each person involved in the program – a patient, a family member or friend, an ASM staff member – needs prayer for renewal and encouragement from God. Pray for patients to be surrounded by those he or she loves; pray patients will find hope in the Word of God.
View the original article here.
