Greg shares about our first Mossy Foot training:
We set out for Aleta Chuko Wednesday morning loaded down with bags full of donated shoes and letters from sponsor families to their sponsored child. I was able to meet with each family.
We then had a time of earnest prayer and though the languages were different– the Spirit was the same.
Then we had some training. After learning of a condition called “mossy foot” that had stricken several in the area, Charisa did some research and made contact with health care professionals who had knowledge of and experience with the disease.
Mossy foot is a form of elephantiasis that manifests itself on the skin with a rough mossy like texture and swelling of the affected area. It comes from small shards of silicates found in volcanic soil that work their way into the skin. As the condition progresses the swelling becomes worse and causes much pain and begins to give off an offensive odor.
One of our sponsored girls had the condition which had progressed to the point that she could no longer wear shoes and was so ashamed (she was teased by the other kids) and had such discomfort that she had stopped attending school.
I had the task of discussing the condition with the group to explain what it was, what causes it, how to treat it and most importantly that it was not because of anything they had done wrong nor was it the result of any curse. The treatment is quite simple and inexpensive and we had made plans to equip each affected family with the supplies necessary to treat it.
The other young lady had been taken to the a hospital several hours away for a check up and for advice and to get fitted for special shoes. She received medicine and another staff member had later taken her supplies to continue to treat the condition. We were very interested to see how she was doing and what help, if any, the treatment had brought.
As I explained the condition and the treatment the group listened attentively and all were pleased to hear that we had closed toed new shoes for them all as a very important part of prevention. Then after the talk was finished we spent a few minutes with each person removing their old shoes (if they had any) and placing socks upon their feet and carefully fitting each person to make certain that they had the right fit. It was easy to identify those who had mossy foot by the leathery texture and enlarged size. No one in the group had any hesitancy in helping with the task and Ajuuja’s Director also joined in as we gently helped each one get fit for their new shoes and to put them on.
After each was outfitted with new shoes they expressed a deep gratitude and some of the ladies were so excited that they smothered me with hugs and kisses excitedly and much emotion.
I say that not to put emphasis on me… (because it’s not about me) but to show the gratitude and importance of these shoes for them.
When the young lady with the worst of the condition was called I was delighted to see that the condition had begun to get better and we had the privilege of putting normal shoes on her feet!
Later in the day we met the families that had the condition at the market and provided all they needed to begin treatment and they then returned to their homes. The mom of the young girl who had already been treated was taking it upon herself to make sure the others knew exactly what to do.
During the week the thought that Jesus was preparing a home for us all stayed on my heart. We told the groups that one day soon we would be together in our Father’s house and that there would be no more need nor would we ever be separated. It was impressed on me how God had created each of us in His image and that he had a plan and purpose for each person, all of which He created in His image.
We were given the privilege of serving those that bear the image of Christ!
Toward the end of each trip Ajuuja’s board likes to meet with us. During this trip’s meeting the board’s chairman told us that we had made a great impression upon the officials at Aleta Chuko. He explained that our actions challenged the officials and him as well. He said that they told him “these people are close to God” and “they touched their feet just like Jesus.” We were quite humbled when we heard this—because again, it’s not about us. It’s all about Him and His equipping and His love.
In that meeting I was distracted by the sunset over Lake Hawassa. When asked if I had anything to say I called the group over to the window and showed them the sunset that God had painted not just for us but for each person that we’d met during the week and that He knew them and desired them just as He does each of us. He hasn’t forgotten any of them and He knows each one intimately. The chairman said “you use the word privilege, it is a beautiful word.”
And it is.
We invite you to join us in the privilege of serving.