MALARIA MEME
By: Ely Lagajino
“I waited patiently for the Lord, And He inclined to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1, (NASB)
One semester break, I visited a church in a remote island in Palawan. On Sabbath morning, all seats in the small church were taken. Knowing that I came from an Adventist University brethren assigned me the promotional talk, Sabbath School lesson, and Divine worship message.
AY program was spent visiting homes of sick brethren. First we visited a very weak elderly woman. I gave a short talk then we prayed for her. Later we saw the old woman walking and stretching around the house.
“Pastor, your sermon was effective,” one brother said.
“Praise God, Brother, not me.” I said, “and not only did I become an instant pastor, I also became a quick doctor. “
Next, we visited a family with two sons, sick for almost two weeks. One of them was an AY leader, but the father was not a believer.
The church members suspected that the boys had malaria, and we wanted to persuade the father to take them to the hospital. We conducted a series of songs, sermons, and Bible study for three sessions to convince the father, but his reaction was still the same. He carried a bolo and walked around us three times, murmuring.
“Nobody can bring my sons to the hospital.” It was already dark, so we sent all the women home. We were all exhausted. Finally, with a very big faith, I gave the father an ultimatum.
“Tatay, whether you like it or not, we will bring your sons to the hospital.”
His response surprised us, “Okay, but only one of them.”
So we carried one of the boys and sped towards the hospital. When the doctor confirmed it was malaria, I sent for the other boy. Our prayers helped reduce the father’s anger. And God made a way, because when my companions reached the house, the father was not there, so they picked up the other son and quickly carried him to the hospital.
Praise God, after two months the boys continued their active service to the church, as youth leaders.
Wonderful testimony 🙏