Dear Friends,
Greetings in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
My friend Agnes is a chaplain minister, testimonies and reflections are essential parts of her ministry. She also enjoys hospital visits as well. She recently visited a church member who has been in hospital for three weeks, she kindly shared the experience of that visit with me; saying: “Today I went for an hospital visit. I didn’t wear clerical clothes, or dog collar or any kind of uniform. I just went wearing my normal clothes. I spent time with the patient, spoke about the situation, then we prayed together and prayed for all patients in that hospital. However, at the door of that ward, there was a nurse sitting and watching us praying. On my way out from the ward, when I arrived at the door, that nurse grabbed my hand and put it on his head saying: ‘The Holy Spirit of the Living God is upon you, I saw Him.’ I said a short prayer for the nurse and left the hospital.” Agnes’ experience reminded me of what happened to the believers after the day of the Pentecost, as it is in Acts 4:23-31 when they were praying for boldness. They were simply filled with the Holy Spirit, and those around them witnessed it.
The patient in the hospital Agnes went to visit is her friend. They recently met and their connection bloomed into a true friendship, with honesty and authenticity. No wonder the nurse saw the Spirit of the living God upon both Agnes and her friend! They love one another, as Jesus commanded His disciples to ”love one another. As I have loved you”. So you should love one another”. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John13:34-35). Although not everyone is familiar with the power of the love in the Holy Spirit, but as Jesus said everyone will know and see it through us, just as the nurse saw it in that moment of prayer.
Early church believers prayed for boldness and were filled with the Holy Spirit even after Pentecost; after two thousand years, can we say boldly and confidently that we too are filled with the Holy Spirit? As we continue to seek God’s face and guidance for our churches mission through prayers, it is my hope and prayer that, with one heart and mind, we will “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people,” (Ephesians 6:18); in the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Yours in His service,
Probationer Deacon Marcianne Uwimana.