I HAVE NO ONE TO HELP ME

The story that produced that famous quote goes something like this. Long time ago a crippled man was lying near a pool, the Bible says that when the waters of the pool was stirred whomever would step into the pool at that time would be healed of their infirmity. This man had lain there for upwards of 38 years, he had seen people go into and out of the pool when it was stirred and walk away healed. There was so much hope that would rise up in him because he had seen it first hand. Year one goes by, then five, then twenty and now thirty-eight; many people over the years saw this man, saw his predicament, saw his inability to raise himself up and go into the pool. They would even from time to time bring their guests over and share the story about the pool and in sharing they would include this man lying at the pool side.

The question on that particular day to this man was, "Do you want to get well?" Other than those who would bring him to that poolside and leave him on a daily basis, I would assume of all the passer by no one took the time to have a conversation with him. All of a sudden he is in the focused lens of someone who is asking in his mind the most ridiculous question. His answer reveals a lot about him: I am all alone; No one accepts me; No one comforts me; No one supports me; No one encourages me; no one appreciates me and the list goes on and on.

As I read this story, I am reminded of the over 3000 children who came to camp this summer for the first time who will have an opportunity to be sponsored and join one of our 22 school campuses throughout Lusaka. Like this paralyzed man, children who need parents and family to live, thrive and survive and are from an early age left paralyzed by the abject poverty all around them. And with no hope of seeing a way out of this vicious cycle they bare the pains of having to repeat the same. Absolutely paralyzed!

Their 5 day CampLife experience is like the day someone stopped and had a conversation with the man. All of a sudden new life comes into him, hope became renewed and there is now the possibility someone would take time out of their busy schedule and notice them. The time together creates such memories for not only the children but those who take the time to hold them, talk to them, listen to them, cry with them and celebrate this new life and love that has entered their hearts. More importantly, our volunteers do more than just meet with the children, they take the time in touching their souls by going to their homes. This gesture is inexpressible for the children because as poor as they are, these people visit their community. Priceless!

Living at the Tree of Life Children's Village we get a first hand experience of doing life with many of the least of these. The relational reward we get happens from time to time when the children who hurt the most start to appropriate the truth that help has come to walk alongside, encourage, support, and comfort the pain away.

This pass week, I was in conference with one of our grade 11 boys who became orphaned by age 12; who suffered mercilessly at the hands of a drunken step father; who has no living relative that he knows of. Our conversation was a bit different that day in the sense that I had determined to listen to him, grieve with him and to support him. I began our conversation with an apology for missing the many cues he was sending that was reaching out for help from me. He was a bit taken a back, a look surprise was all over his face. He did not know what to say, he just sat looking at the floor. Then I said, "I see that you are hurting and it is as if you have no one to talk to about this pain." As I was talking tears began welling up into his eyes and began rolling down his cheeks. He had not said anything and I did not think I was saying anything unfamiliar. I then said to him "you seem so all alone and I don't want you to carry this burden anymore." Then I said, "tell me what is causing this great pain?"


He began to cry and when he said the word stepfather, it was as if we were reliving the abusive situation. He went deep into that situation, years and years of carrying this burden compounded by not having earthly parents started emptying from his soul. It was too much to do all at once, but now he knows with a certainty that he can come and share and cry if he wants and will not feel condemned because he is fully accepted.

What do you do when you are the one reciting that ancient quote? For me, Warren, it was simple. I had to realize that like the paralyzed man, I had to confess that I was in need of help, I had to acknowledge that I had experienced some wounds I had not quite healed from and based on my closest relationships I needed course correction. My marriage was suffering as a result of many wounds and so many unmet spiritual and relational needs. My parenting was lacking life, love and affection and my leadership became words without action. I had some older men I respect speak into my life and my situation. More than that, they loved, listened and accepted me.

Today, just like that man on that day I am experiencing a renewed love for my God and for my neighbor. It's so funny, a guy in a wheelchair with pronounced mental retardation came up to me and asked for money. Normally, I would put my window down and offer help, but this time I got out of the car, touched him, looked him in the eye and chatted for a few minutes before giving him some money.

Our ministry is being touched with renewed vigor and hope for this amazing work God has ordained for us. Countless thousands of children's lives are being touched through the love and care of God's people. I am being touched as well as our family and for this we are profoundly grateful. Truly our cup overflows with the goodness of the Lord.

I don't know where you are in this brief update, but would you consider being the man/woman to the many around who are wounded and alone. If you are need of someone, there has to be one person in your life with whom you feel safe, please talk to them.
You can also call us, we will listen.