The Manchester Infirmary

The Infirmary - Sunday

Imagine the prospect of visiting a nursing home in Jamaica. The thought strikes fear in the bravest of hearts. But God is good! He wants us to press the limits and then goes there with us. So it was with the Manchester Infirmary we visited. The residents there are the people who have illnesses no one can cure – poverty, disease, brokenness. They are not going home. They are there to live out the remainder of their days. Some of them are old but some of them are surprisingly young. Our goal was to bring Christ’s joy to them.

Roy is a resident of 34 years. He was a builder who had a job related accident August 14, 1973, and broke his neck. But he loves the Lord and says he is blessed to be alive and he is content. When Doug asked him if he shares his faith with the other residents he responded, “Ya Mon! When I can!”

Lynn met a wonderful woman who showed Lynn her Bible and told her, “this is the most sacred book and I am privileged to be here. I know Jesus loves me and He’s going to take me home soon.” I met Eric who had injured his leg in a bicycle accident. He asked me to tak his picture and then pulled his Bible out of his pocket. He asked me to read Psalms 34 to him, “I will bless the Lord at all times…” I read this first verse and he quoted the rest to me.

When I climbed back on the bus, I realized those residents had brought Christ’s joy to me.

Becky Marushia