For you He became poor

It is Friday afternoon and the three of us are walking down the 'street' in the tent city. Our attention is drawn to a man and woman sitting in the doorway of a tent. Our translator quickly establishes that this is where the woman lived and that she has difficulty in walking. She is happy for us to pray for her for healing and as we pray the grace of the Kingdom comes and she is healed. As modeled by others we ask "Would you like to meet this Jesus who healed you?"

Her response is spontaneous. No, she doesn't know Jesus and yes she would like to meet Him. The translator leads the woman in a prayer accepting the salvation Jesus gives and the angels in heaven rejoice. The translator notes down her details and tells her of a church nearby that she can go to. "I can't go, I have no clothes to wear to church." I have heard similar responses in my community - an almost respectable reason not to do something.

I look past the woman into her tent. It is empty, I can't even see any bedding on the floor let alone any clothes in there. It was then that the reality of poverty and the isolation and hopelessness it brings struck me - her possessions were the 'tent' and the soiled yellow dress she is wearing. Without intervention, how could her situation ever change?

In reflection, the power of the Gospel is once again demonstrated to me. I was poor - God in His grace came to the 'door of my tent' so I might become rich in Him. Thank you Jesus; teach me to follow you.