I was sick and you visited me

I spend a lot of time in hospitals; not because I am a nurse and not because of poor health. The time is spent visiting and helping others who are seeking medical care. Health issues are a constant concern in a country where the majority of the population is poor. Unpaved roads, heavy rains with poor drainage systems, lack of pollution controls, littering all contribute to health problems.

Thankfully there are clinics available. You may have to wait eight hours or more for the doctor to arrive, and nine times out of ten you will be given antibiotics for whatever it is that you have, but people still use what is available.

Hospital stays usual mean bringing someone to stay with you. The room comes with a pull-out couch, but you bring your own sheet and pillow. You also must bring your own meals. You also bring your own clothes - no hospital gowns. When the doctor writes out your prescription, the pharmacy may not have the drugs you need.

Hospital visits are great opportunities to speak about Jesus, the Great Physician and how he heals of us our deadly sickness - sin. He is the doctor that is always available to listen and diagnosis your condition. And the medicine he prescribes, forgiveness, is never scarce or unavailable. Whatever our physical ailments may be, they are nothing compared to the pain of eternity in hell. Some physical ailments may not be cured, but the promise of forgiveness has no limits.