A Prayer and A Rub

Bon Ross Ferrer
 


​“Please pray for Kurib,” Auntie May pleaded during church a few weeks ago. “He had a stroke and was rushed to the hospital yesterday morning.”

We began regularly praying for Uncle Kurib’s healing until, about a month later, we heard that he was back from the hospital. I was happy that God answered our prayers even though this man was not particularly close to us.

A few days later, I was preparing for breakfast when I had an unexpected visit. “Hello!” Uncle Kurib greeted me. “May I ask if you could massage my left arm when you have the time? I can’t move it very well.”

I smiled back and said, “Sure, Uncle. I’d be happy to do that. I’ll go to your house this evening and give you a massage right before you sleep, so it would be more relaxing.”

“Thank you,” he replied. “I’ll see you later then.”

“Ok, Uncle.”

“Wow, this is a first time,” I thought to myself after he left.

Later that evening I made my way to Uncle Kurib’s house. After a little chat, I took some tuba-tuba leaves from my bag and rubbed coconut oil on them. Then I lit up a candle, warmed the leaves a little in the flame, and stuck them on Uncle Kurib’s left arm. After waiting for a few minutes, I started to massage his arm.

“I don’t know why it happened to me,” Uncle Kurib said as he watched me massage his arm. “I mean, I don’t drink alcohol. I don’t smoke. I don’t even eat meat that much.”

I smiled and continued massaging his arm. “My dad had a stroke too,” I told him. “But my mom and the rest of the family were always there for him. He never felt alone because of the love of our family.”

I glanced at the wall and saw some pictures. “Are those your children, Uncle?”

Uncle Kurib’s face lit up. “Yes, and they are very good children, too! They all graduated with honors. When they found out I had a stroke, they sent me to a good hospital in Manila and made sure I was well taken care of.”

Uncle Kurib went on talking about his children as I continued massaging his arm. He seemed to forget that he was sick. He was so happy talking about them.

After I finished the massage, I was in for another surprise. “What time does your worship service start?” he asked. “I want to join you.”

And wonder of wonders, Uncle Kurib has faithfully attended our worship services ever since.  I don’t know exactly how God got to his heart, but I’m happy to have a new friend to share the love of God with.

Support PFM!