PRAYER ROUNDS: A HEARTWARMING JOURNEY OF COMPASSION AND HOPE

Twice a day, every day, a group of four chaplains from Maua Methodist Hospital embark on a touching mission. They visit each patient, not just to treat ailments but to lend a listening ear and offer heartfelt prayers. Among the group were Jessica King and Ann Knutson, who were accompanied by the wise and compassionate retired Bishop Samwell on their rounds.

For Ann, this wasn’t her first time; she had experienced the profound impact of this journey a decade ago and felt called to join again. The difficulty was undeniable, but they knew they were answering the call of Jesus - to visit the sick and bring them comfort and hope.

As they followed Bishop Samwell, they entered each ward, from male to female, pediatric to OB, and even the High Dependency Unit (HDU) and isolation rooms. The wards held 6-10 beds each, where patients shared their stories, some in English and others in KiMeru. Ann and Jessica took turns praying for the patients, enveloping them in love and solace.

Among the patients, two children’s stories touched their hearts deeply. One child had burns from an unfortunate fall into an open fire, while the other, a toddler, suffered scald burns from hot water. In this region where open fire cooking is prevalent, accidents can easily happen. The 16-monthold with scald burns was in HDU, bravely fighting discomfort while struggling with the oxygen mask.

Witnessing their pain was heart-wrenching, but Ann and Jessica refused to look away. Instead, they poured out fervent prayers, seeking quick pain relief and long-term healing for these little souls. The hospital accommodations were basic, with parents sleeping in the same bed as their children, surrounded by flies due to the lack of screens on windows. Private rooms were scarce, but love and hope were abundant.

In the face of such challenges, the chaplains pressed on, knowing that their presence brought more than just physical healing. It brought warmth, compassion, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. As they prayed for each patient, they also prayed for the hospital’s growth, envisioning private rooms and better facilities to ease the burden of illness and provide comfort to those seeking solace.

This journey of prayer rounds at Maua Methodist Hospital is a testament to the power of love and the strength found in prayer. The chaplains may not be able to change the circumstances entirely, but they certainly bring a healing touch to every life they touch. With unwavering dedication, they continue to sow seeds of hope, knowing that each prayer counts and each life they touch is forever changed.

In this world of uncertainty, one thing remains steadfastthe power of compassion and prayer to uplift and heal. The prayer rounds at Maua Methodist Hospital are a beautiful reminder that love transcends all boundaries and brings warmth even in the darkest of times. Let us be inspired by the dedication of these chaplains and remember that we too can make a difference, one prayer at a time.

Jessica King & Ann Knutson

WHIZ KIDS START 13th YEAR!

M I S S I O N S

SUNDAY AUGUST 20th IS WHIZ KIDS SUNDAY

We have a place for you at Whiz Kids. Whiz Kids is a faith-based one-on-one tutoring program that meets at our partner church, New Hope UMC, on Mondays from 3:00-5:00 p.m. during the school year. We need tutors, subs, drivers & riders for the van, riders for the bus, people to help set-up and clean up, and people to bake homemade cookies for the kids to take home each week. It takes about 60 people a week to make it work. We have been very blessed in the past by people who made monetary donations or provided special treats like pizza or Chick-fil-A.

Last year we had 33 great kids in grades 2nd-5th. The kids need us for help with reading. Won’t you be a part of our Whiz Kids Family? Sign up on Sunday, August 20, in the church concourse.

Questions: Contact Shirley Rolston at jsrolston@cox.net or Carolyn Hays at chaysnana25@gmail.com