[seeming trash used for beauty- a picture that accurately represents TB patients]

This morning, we visited a Tuberculosis Clinic called CRS (Care Recovery Shelter). This “in-the-trenches” ministry treats TB patients that often are almost malnourished to the point of death. They are typically the outcasts of slum communities because they are contagious.  Often, husbands will abandon their wives when they find out they have TB because they see them as a lost cause. CRS provides a place to live, feeds them, and gets them the necessary medicine they need. TB is very prevalent in the Philippines but the crazy thing is that it’s completely curable with medicine that people often don’t have the money for.

As we came in, the patients welcomed us and wanted to sing worship songs with us. I completely took on a new perspective as they sang the words “when the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with you above the storm. Father you are King over the flood, I will be still and know you are God.”

Check out the this video of the CRS TB clinic singing a worship song. http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithseymour/4097268879/in/set-72157622658645693/

[CRS can hold up to 50 patients but currently can only afford 36 due to lack of funds]

During group time later that night, we were faced with the question of “Why weren’t we sitting on the other side amongst them instead of visiting from a wealthy nation?” For some reason, God has chosen us to be able to give help rather than receive help. This visit was extremely eye opening for me in the sense that I can see how our faith in action directly goes to real people with real problems. This awareness was profoundly radiated through one young woman appropriately named “Beauty” who gave her testimony during our visit. She is a college grad who aspired to be a nurse to help others. She explained how she had her ducks in a row until her dream was shattered by a diagnosis of TB. As tears streamed down her cheek, I sensed a genuine brokenness and dependence on God that I’ve seen in few others. After coming to CRS, she sensed God was getting her attention to focus on Him and her relationship with Him. Soon after receiving care and getting well, she found a mast in her breast which she later found out was cancerous. Once again, she felt a sincere brokenness before God but she left me with an overwhelming confidence in God’s sovereignty. I wish I had a faith as genuine as hers and hope the Lord doesn’t need to get my attention through tragedy as in her powerful story.

[beautiful decorations and jewelry are made by patients from their medicine labels and candy wrappers]

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