February 19^th was International Child Cancer Day.  Dina in Bandung participated in several activities to help create awareness for this day. One of the events was held at Bandung Electric Center with a panel of doctors and other experts. The kids from the cancer center (Yayasan Kasih Anak Kanker Indonesia) also performed for this event.

I recently met 13 year old Nur Rohmah at the Cancer Center. She had been diagnosed with leukemia six months ago. Nevertheless, she stays cheerful and, even encourages those younger than her. Nur confided in me that her parents had to go back to their village and that she was alone at the Center. I marveled at this young girl’s brave spirit in battling leukemia on her own while also taking time to console others. Together we read the children’s book, “Novi and the Wind” I wrote last year. It’s a story about how the Wind comes to befriend a sick little girl and finally takes her home to Heaven. Afterwards, Nur told me that she had read the story many times before and it always encouraged her.

Before leaving, I asked Nur if there was anything she needed. “Dragon fruit”, she replied with a smile. “And beets. They are good for fighting cancer.” “I’ll get you both!” I replied. Later, a friend texted me to say that she was on her way to the cancer center and should she bring anything. I asked her to bring dragon fruit for Nur. Later my friend texted me back to say that she had given Nur the dragon fruit. She went on to say, “Someone just brought 20 kilos of beets. The Center asked if you had brought them.” No, I hadn’t brought the beets but someone else saw to it. Someone Who cared had engineered things so that Nur got the beets and the dragon fruit that she wanted. –Within hours of asking! I was amazed at how God showed His love and care for her so directly. I’m glad that I got to be a part of that. We need to love everybody with His love, but it’s not “everybody” we start with. It starts with one person, one heart at a time. By being faithful to stop for the one who has a need, we can reach people with His love.