Guest of God by Alicia Ahmann

One of my favorite radio presets in my car is for a satellite station called Doctor Radio. This talk station features physicians sharing knowledge about their specialties. 

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to hear an interview with Dr. Rick Hodes, an American medical doctor who has practiced in Ethiopia for many years. Dr. Hodes has a special heart for children with severe spinal deformities. Tuberculosis of the spine is very rare in the US, but in Ethiopia it is much more common and there are many children suffering with its trademark spinal deformities.

As Dr. Hodes discussed his life and his practice in Ethiopia. He told a story of two brothers who had walked over 250 miles to see him. One of the brothers had a severe spinal deformity and had been told that Dr. Hodes might be able to help him. 

The boys’ family could not afford the $15 bus fare to reach the doctor, so the two brothers walked through Ethiopia for eight days. When they arrived at the medical office with feet dusty from their travels, Dr. Hodes asked them where they had slept during their journey. Sleeping outside in Ethiopia can be dangerous because of the risk of hyena attacks. 

The boys replied: “Egzabher engida.” 

In Ethiopia, custom dictates, if traveling and in need of a place to sleep, a person may knock on the door of any home and say the two words, “Egzabher engida,” which means “guest of God.”

Upon hearing these words, people open their homes, welcome the strangers, feed them, and give them water and a basin to wash their feet. In the morning, the guests continue their travels.

Hearing this story made me think of the families who come to CC4C. Maybe they aren’t coming to us after walking through an actual physical desert, but life with the fear, uncertainty, and the dearth of answers that come with a rare or undiagnosed condition can certainly feel like a desert.

Here at CC4C, we strive to offer respite and hospitality to those walking through the desert of rare and undiagnosed illnesses. We see you. Welcome to our home.”

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:4-8