Isaiah's Rock and the After-party at Kindred Hospital Santa Ana

I used to play video games. The uncertainties, random acts of other players, strategies in playing have been intriguing me to immerse myself in playing for hours. Going on mission is like playing games in real life, but is one hundred times more fascinating than video games, because God is in control and in favor of us and we believe the battle is going to be won. He carries out His plans with varieties and sense of humor in a compassionate way.

Going to Isaiah's Rock on a weekly basis has become a part of life. Meeting good old friends there has been felt like seeing various images of God. As the team kept praying for one person after another and they shared with us their encouraging stories, the blessing from God is multiplied every single time. There were also newcomers who are open to chat with and pray for. Thank Lord for their receptive hearts! Managed to share with two Vietnamese moms, Tam and Huonz, about our mission that God sent us to spread His love by telling people about Jesus and praying for them. Two moms understood, smiled and showed their favor by tapping my arm. Talked to a young man from Mexico, Eric. Although that was his first time getting groceries, he showed interest in attending church and asked me about Sunday service at Isaiah's Rock church. And I told him it will be at 10:30.

When we were about to leave, Susie from VOH church invited me to visit a girl Rico (Wenting) who has been lying in hospital for three months. The story started with brother Gary of VOH. One day he drove a girl, Claire, which is also his daughter's name, to hospital. Claire was Rico's roommate and was going to care for Rico who got paralyzed from car accident. Gary went into hospital with Claire, saw Rico in ICU and felt heartbroken. Since then Gary has been giving Claire and Rico's mom Rachael lifts between hospital and their home. He shared the story with church.

On the way to hospital that afternoon, Susie told me there have been twenty people visiting and praying for Rico. That is a lot of blessing. We saw Rico. She is pretty and looks good, but can't move. Shortly another sister Vivian came and we all prayed for Rico. The Lord was speaking words of encouragement to Rico, which was powerful. "Come forth!" Two words were echoing in the room. It is Lord Jesus that loves Rico and wants to give her living hope and lift her up. Later on 3 physical therapists checked Rico's blood pressure and it was good. So they gently put her in a wheel chair and took her outside of the hospital for the first time in 3 months. We were so happy that we cheered, clapped hands and took snapshots. That moment was really touching hearts. Rico was smiling and joking with us. We praised Lord for giving love to restore His daughter Rico. I was also moved by Susie. She seemed to be the happiest among us. The overwhelmingly huge motherly love in her heart made me feel like being hugged by her only by standing next to her. I learned from Susie that she loves people not only in action and words but also in attitudes. She is a great mom. We also prayed for Linda who is staying in the same room with Rico. We thank Lord for using us and giving us words, endurance, compassion and love through His Spirit. God is like playing dollhouse and we are His characters. Hope that every day is the best day for Rico because God wants her. Hope that Rico invites God to live in her heart and abide in His love. Hope that when God offered opportunities for us to show affection, we would say "yes" and act accordingly. Lord Jesus is the only hope.