Eyeglass Clinics Completed; 1891 Pairs of Glasses Distributed!
All 24 members of the two SWD LWML Eyeglass Mission Teams are well and happy after 4-1/2 days of clinics in Puerto Rico during which they distributed 1,891 pairs of glasses and shared the love of Christ with 1,541 people. Because MOST Ministries does not bring bifocals on such trips, some people need both distance and reading glasses.
In addition, the teams gave away hundreds and hundreds of sunglasses to adults and children. As the teams arrived at the two clinic locations each day, they began with prayer in a circle and then opened the door to a long, long line of people waiting. They also closed each day with prayer. Some Puerto Ricans asked the Leaguers, "Why are you here?' They always replied, "To share the love of Jesus!" They felt blessed to be able to witness to so many people
Although team members are joyful about their experience, they are tired due to the heat (96o in the daytime and 85o at night). Friday will be a time for rest and relaxation; a few have chosen to visit San Juan for the day. Then they'll fly home to Wisconsin - and they'll be available to speak to groups about the trip.
All team members are returning with dozens of unforgettable experiences. One of the men in the group described this as "an awesome life-changing experience." The memories include:
1) A 92-year-old woman with eyes so bad that she could barely see. After her glasses were fitted and she discovered she could read again, her face just glowed! Then a team member gave her a small Spanish Bible. Immediately the elderly woman wanted to read the 23rd Psalm. The team member offered to help the woman find it, but she refused to give up the Bible until the interpretor made it clear that it would be given back to her. The team member will never forget the woman's joy as she then began to read that favorite passage after being unable to read fine print for so long.
2) A boy who had an accident at school and therefore had no sight in one eye. He just beamed when he received glasses that enabled him to see well with his good eye.
3) A nine-year-old who was translating for her grandmother was wearing a bracelet with a cross on it. When the team member asked the child if she believed in Jesus, the child replied, "Yes, I believe in God, and He's my real father." The team member responded, "He's my father too, so what does that make us?" The child answered, "Sisters!" and they enjoyed a warm hug.