When we visit someone in prison or visit someone who is sick at home...
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
"I Was Sick and You Cared For Me"
June 18, 2017
(Jesus said) "I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me." Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, "Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?"
~ Matthew 25:36-37 (ESV)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our international ministry centers to write our Sunday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
When we visit someone in prison or visit someone who is sick at home, we do it for Jesus.
This is a testimony of an old woman who was a member of our church many years ago. We went to visit her and we found her sick. She lived with her son who was also mentally ill. Her life was characterized by constant struggles due to poverty and being a widow, with no one to assist her. Eventually, she moved to a neighboring town south of Nairobi (capital city of Kenya) to a piece of land donated by a well-wisher.
The woman was moved to tears when a group of Nuru volunteers and a pastor visited her.
"Ever since I came to this place, nobody has come to visit and pray for me," she said. "I am happy at last. You have remembered me," she continued.
We could see the joy in her face as she welcomed us into her little shack. She spoke of her loneliness and many challenges she has faced ever since she moved to that residence.
We took the opportunity to sing songs, prayed, and ministered to her with the Word of God, and also blessed her with shopping for food and clothes. How her face lit up when we spoke of the love and sacrifice of Jesus, which saves sinners.
Our visit attracted the neighbors who also were encouraged by the experience. We saw both the spiritual and natural thirst the neighbors had and saw an opportunity for opening a Bible study group there.
Reflecting on the above story, I am moved to see how a simple visit can give hope to someone.
For a long time, I thought the work of visitation only belonged to the trained clergy, but after this encounter I resolved that I, too, have a part in ministering to the needy. Indeed, we don't need unlimited wealth or years of training to visit someone. Our prayers are more valuable than any gift or money.
In short, just make time and reflect the Savior. That is the ministry to which we have been called.
THE PRAYER: Oh Lord, we thank You for reminding us to remember the needy and the sick in our midst. Give us the grace and the strength as we continue the Great Commission of going out to the world and preaching the Gospel. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen
Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Ruth Makungu, a volunteer in Nuru, Kenya. She says she truly enjoys going out for our rallies and has learned and seen much on the medical outreach mission out of our local office.
There is absolute freedom to proclaim religion in Kenya, and Lutheran Hour Ministries-Kenya is taking advantage of every opportunity. Lutheran Hour Ministries-Kenya's youth ministry is impacting the lives of many with outreach missions, including public performances of drama and music. Pastors and local citizens utilize a collection of Braille, print, video, audio, and electronic resources as part of The Lutheran Hour library. By hearing God's Word, many Kenyans have enrolled in Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC). These courses have allowed LHM-Kenya to spread ministry into the neighboring countries of Tanzania, Zaire, and Rwanda.
In this East African country of more than 46 million, LHM-Kenya, known locally as Nuru Lutheran Media Ministry, is active in social media, web content development, and text messaging. One helpful service is this ministry center's incorporation of voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) services into its outreach events. This allows for routine testing of individuals, helping HIV-positive people cope with their condition, and opening doors to connect clients with local pastors for spiritual care and guidance. A program called Reaching Rehab works with women involved in prostitution. Through vocational training opportunities, these women are often able to learn income-producing trades. Films, music, drama, and more are part of rallies where people can hear the Gospel. Bible Correspondence Courses have enriched the lives of many through Bible study lessons designed to help people deepen their faith.
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
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