After several Eid visits as I was walking home, a Rohingya man began to follow me and try to get my attention. At first I did not realize he was calling out to me so I ignored him, but after it was clear he was trying to talk to me, I finally turned around.
He immediately shared with me about how his wife had been bleeding for 25 days. He told me they had taken her to doctors but no one could help. He was worried for her health and safety since she has no UNHCR card. I told him I was not a doctor but that I would visit his home this week to see what I could do for her.
A few days later a friend of mine and I went to “Ruby’s” home. We were eagerly welcomed in and sat with her to hear firsthand about her issue of blood. She told us since arriving in Malaysia 2 years ago, she has regularly had long stints of bleeding. We listened to her, comforted her, shared with her the story of Jesus and the bleeding woman, and prayed for her. We did not know her before she welcomed us in, yet she shared with us very personal details about her life and wept with us as if we were long time trusted friends.
The majority of Rohingya people have troubles similar to this, and they desire someone (anyone) to listen to their situation. Even if the listener cannot help, our Rohingya friends just want to be heard, to have someone present with them in their pain. Through this experience, I was reminded of how interruptible Jesus was and how he always made time to stop for the one.
I know Jesus deeply loves the Rohingya. He always has time to hear their troubles and sit with them in their pain, for He is the Great Comforter, Healer, Provider, and Wonderful Counselor.
- Pray for full healing for Ruby from her issue of blood and for the ability to bear children.
- Pray for an openness in Ruby to hearing the Good News.
- Pray for Rohingya people to know Jesus as the One who will never leave or forsake them and the One who hears all their cries.