Sight to the Blind

Which is more liberating, seeing a 70-year-old man gain back his eye sight after 14 years of blindness or to watch the same man release all bitterness to the Father that created him?

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Two weeks have passed since our initial emigration to a country, that we previously knew so little about. Eleven days have been spent visiting two very distinct and different tribes: the Masai and the Turkana. Both live off the beaten track of "normal" civilization, and forgo many modern conveniences in order to preserve culture, heritage, and history. Much of the time has been spent visiting homes and "evangelizing" to those who may not know about the grace so freely given. The usual responses vary from exuberant yes's and no's with the tag-line, "It is not my time." Most times, frustration ensues. That was until, yesterday…

…this was the day my team came in contact with Mussa, a member of the Masai tribe located in the Rift Valley. Upon first glance, one could assume he has trouble with his legs as he uses two very short walking sticks to stabilize his movement. If you looked into his eyes, you could see the cloudiness hindering his natural sight. Yet, what is not so evident, is the frustration and bitterness for his current plight.

You see in about 1997, Mussa was an alcoholic. He and multitude of others drank beer that at the time, did not meet regulations and was for all intensive purposes, tainted. Everyone who consumed this tainted beer, died, that is, except, Mussa. He was cursed with blindness, at least that is his general sentiment. This instant disability sparked him to accept Christ, but not for his love and grace. He accepted out of fear, anger, and bitterness. In short, he was being punished for what he did so he felt he needed God in order to keep away the flames of hell.

What was not so evident was that this bitterness was brewing inside of him as a stronghold, in fact the bitterness was coupled with anger and hostility so he felt no freedom. He wanted to be free. but couldn't let go of the "wormwood" that was poisoning his bones…

…this is what God was showing and explaining to me. I saw such love and desire for this kindly grandfather that God called worthy, accepted, holy, and loved. I began to ask questions and then we began to see his countenance change as shame caused him to lower his head. We then asked if we could pray for him and lay hands upon him. In a shallow voice, he replied, "Yes."

At that moment, the Holy Spirit said, "You will see a miracle today that until now, you have never seen before. Let your team know that anything is possible through Me."

We laid hands upon his weak joints and eyes, and began to call forth blessing, honor, and forgiveness in his life. As we prayed, he convulsed as if he was uncomfortable or had a stomach ache. At the end of the prayer, he turned to us with tears in his eyes and said, "I need to throw something up."

Our translator helped him over to a rubbish pile where he threw up some algae-colored liquid. In that moment, God revealed that we saw Him purge bitterness out of a man's soul, by physically forcing the "wormwood" to the surface.

After this his countenance changed for a second time to reveal his true heart of repentance and admiration for the Father which created him. Love, joy, and peace were pouring out of him as his face shone with radiance. From this day forward, he will never be the same again.

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People will probably ask why didn't he receive physical healing? Was he not full of faith? Were we lacking faith?

To my chagrin, I would say that I think God chose this as a day where He wanted to restore a man to a right relationship with Him. In a way, healing a heart was better than a gaining physical sight back.

And well if I have missed the point, then well, I flew three thousand miles to completely miss the point.

:Update:

One of my teammates work a blog about this as well and it is amazing. Check out Ryan's experience here.