A crazy wonderful journey of my first time donating blood.
November 29, 2018
Thursday morning. I was in the mall wanting to get some fruit shake for lunch. As I was on my way there, I was drawn to get inside this fast food restaurant where spicy crispy fried chicken are served. Those who know me know that I'm a big fan of the food. Like I don't mind having it in. every. single. meal. But herein lies the concern - it's been over a week since I've been fasting from it and would really like to continue. So you can imagine me trying to walk past the area. But the moment I was near, my direction changed.
I now stood at the counter, taking my time, almost wanting to leave while the service crew in front of me were having a conversation. They were speaking about having different blood types.
November 29, 2018
Thursday morning. I was in the mall wanting to get some fruit shake for lunch. As I was on my way there, I was drawn to get inside this fast food restaurant where spicy crispy fried chicken are served. Those who know me know that I'm a big fan of the food. Like I don't mind having it in. every. single. meal. But herein lies the concern - it's been over a week since I've been fasting from it and would really like to continue. So you can imagine me trying to walk past the area. But the moment I was near, my direction changed.
I now stood at the counter, taking my time, almost wanting to leave while the service crew in front of me were having a conversation. They were speaking about having different blood types.
A thought came: "That's what you're here for."
I immediately asked them, "Who is sick? Is anyone needing blood here?"
They said one of their coworkers from a different branch is in the hospital with a critical condition. She has been bleeding for several months and needed 7 bags of O+ blood. I told them I have the same blood type and willing to donate but what I would really love to do is pray for the patient. Both looked really surprised that the man happily called the HR right away. They took my full name and my phone number. Quickly, I went out to get my fruit shake and when I came back I get to share with them about Jesus and that He heals and saves.
Late afternoon, I get to go with sister Daisy after school. It's the hospital where we usually go to pray and minister. Since it's beyond hospital visiting hours, the patient's mother met us outside. Strategically, we were able to get inside the hospital. However, only of one us could enter the unit with her because there was only 1 visiting pass. Daisy stayed outside and prayed there. I followed the mother, and we entered a big room with six beds. All patients were women. The mom stopped at one bed. Looking at the patient - WOW!
A familiar face! She was just as surprised as me. She's one of the staff of the same restaurant close to our school. She looked really pale and started feeling sorry because she knows teachers are busy. I sat down on her bed, and told her to not worry about it because we love praying for people and seeing God heal and save them. She told me her story - she's been bleeding nonstop for several months till she collapsed at her workplace and was told by her company's doctor she needed to get hospitalized. I have shared with her several cases where we prayed for women with bleeding problem. And how God showed Himself faithful - the bleeding stopped or there was no need for blood. I didn't put too much emphasis on those miracles. I wanted God and His word to minister to her heart and life more than anything. Then I prayed for her.
She had tears in her eyes. After praying, she said, "You know what ma'am, I was praying last night. I really prayed that whoever donates, let it be that I already know the person. I really didn't expect it would be you."
That's it. The smile on my face was ever as wide as the incredible feeling of joy - I can feel the goosebumps forming on my skin. Both of us only know each other by face. And it was only that day that we get to know each other's name. Jenelyn is her name.
The doctor came in and reminded her she needed to get blood ASAP which her family couldn't afford. I asked the doctor, "Is it possible that she gets checked if she still needs blood?" I shared with her testimonies how after praying, the patients didn't need blood anymore. I looked at the doctor as she composed herself and said, "It's not advisable to do blood test knowing she's in need of it. And let's be realistic...."
She's viewing things on a medical standpoint, I didn't want to insist. At the same time I also didn't want to back down from telling the truth that Jesus heals. I knew the devil wanted to kill the message of hope in Jesus I've shared with the people there. So I asked when she can possibly have her checked because she might not be needing blood anymore. She said if they can get her 3-4 bags then she will have her checked.
The women in close proximity to Jenelyn were attentively listening so I asked them if they want prayer. The woman sharing a bed with Jenelyn said I reminded her of her brother and if only he was there he could have prayed for her exactly like I was doing it. She said she's been bleeding for several months and just had a biopsy - a cancerous lump was found in her ovary and she needed surgery. I took the time to talk to her and pray for her. I also get to pray for another woman on the other bed and talked to their families before going out. Soon as I left the room, the mother told me that Jenelyn stopped bleeding. I tell you - Jesus is real!
November 30, 2018
Friday. Wohoo! No classes! It's a holiday. I went back to the hospital in the morning. Jenelyn's mother was accompanying me as I would be donating blood as planned. While waiting for my turn, I looked back and I was amazed by how things have been so different.
As far as I can remember, I'm one of those people who would almost faint at the sight, smell or thought of blood or needles. Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating. But I've always been afraid of blood and needles that growing up, the thought of becoming a doctor or pursuing any medical related profession was not an option. I did everything I can just to avoid going to hospitals. But what I also didn't understand is that I've always been wanting to donate blood since I was small. I've always wanted to contribute in some way in helping people - this innermost desire to touch or save lives was something I couldn't shake off.
I remember some time ago how I went to Red Cross hoping to make that happen. They performed a whole bunch of tests, and everything was perfect except my hemoglobin. It was low so I was told to go back a week after I get enough rest and eat some iron-rich foods. I honestly don't recall why I didn't go back. Maybe I did not eat the foods I was told to eat. Maybe I had a messed-up sleeping pattern. Or maybe it was just not my time yet. But I have always been wanting to do it. Whenever I heard someone needing blood I was always the one to offer. But I didn't really get close to meeting the patient. It's either they got the needed blood or they're already well. In my heart, I always knew that my first time would be something I could never forget. I believed this and waited. To this day, I still don't like needles. But ohh boy, how I love going to the hospitals. I could stay all day at the hospital talking and praying for people and not care about time. And I realize, only God can put that in my heart.
They said one of their coworkers from a different branch is in the hospital with a critical condition. She has been bleeding for several months and needed 7 bags of O+ blood. I told them I have the same blood type and willing to donate but what I would really love to do is pray for the patient. Both looked really surprised that the man happily called the HR right away. They took my full name and my phone number. Quickly, I went out to get my fruit shake and when I came back I get to share with them about Jesus and that He heals and saves.
Late afternoon, I get to go with sister Daisy after school. It's the hospital where we usually go to pray and minister. Since it's beyond hospital visiting hours, the patient's mother met us outside. Strategically, we were able to get inside the hospital. However, only of one us could enter the unit with her because there was only 1 visiting pass. Daisy stayed outside and prayed there. I followed the mother, and we entered a big room with six beds. All patients were women. The mom stopped at one bed. Looking at the patient - WOW!
A familiar face! She was just as surprised as me. She's one of the staff of the same restaurant close to our school. She looked really pale and started feeling sorry because she knows teachers are busy. I sat down on her bed, and told her to not worry about it because we love praying for people and seeing God heal and save them. She told me her story - she's been bleeding nonstop for several months till she collapsed at her workplace and was told by her company's doctor she needed to get hospitalized. I have shared with her several cases where we prayed for women with bleeding problem. And how God showed Himself faithful - the bleeding stopped or there was no need for blood. I didn't put too much emphasis on those miracles. I wanted God and His word to minister to her heart and life more than anything. Then I prayed for her.
She had tears in her eyes. After praying, she said, "You know what ma'am, I was praying last night. I really prayed that whoever donates, let it be that I already know the person. I really didn't expect it would be you."
That's it. The smile on my face was ever as wide as the incredible feeling of joy - I can feel the goosebumps forming on my skin. Both of us only know each other by face. And it was only that day that we get to know each other's name. Jenelyn is her name.
The doctor came in and reminded her she needed to get blood ASAP which her family couldn't afford. I asked the doctor, "Is it possible that she gets checked if she still needs blood?" I shared with her testimonies how after praying, the patients didn't need blood anymore. I looked at the doctor as she composed herself and said, "It's not advisable to do blood test knowing she's in need of it. And let's be realistic...."
She's viewing things on a medical standpoint, I didn't want to insist. At the same time I also didn't want to back down from telling the truth that Jesus heals. I knew the devil wanted to kill the message of hope in Jesus I've shared with the people there. So I asked when she can possibly have her checked because she might not be needing blood anymore. She said if they can get her 3-4 bags then she will have her checked.
The women in close proximity to Jenelyn were attentively listening so I asked them if they want prayer. The woman sharing a bed with Jenelyn said I reminded her of her brother and if only he was there he could have prayed for her exactly like I was doing it. She said she's been bleeding for several months and just had a biopsy - a cancerous lump was found in her ovary and she needed surgery. I took the time to talk to her and pray for her. I also get to pray for another woman on the other bed and talked to their families before going out. Soon as I left the room, the mother told me that Jenelyn stopped bleeding. I tell you - Jesus is real!
November 30, 2018
Friday. Wohoo! No classes! It's a holiday. I went back to the hospital in the morning. Jenelyn's mother was accompanying me as I would be donating blood as planned. While waiting for my turn, I looked back and I was amazed by how things have been so different.
As far as I can remember, I'm one of those people who would almost faint at the sight, smell or thought of blood or needles. Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating. But I've always been afraid of blood and needles that growing up, the thought of becoming a doctor or pursuing any medical related profession was not an option. I did everything I can just to avoid going to hospitals. But what I also didn't understand is that I've always been wanting to donate blood since I was small. I've always wanted to contribute in some way in helping people - this innermost desire to touch or save lives was something I couldn't shake off.
I remember some time ago how I went to Red Cross hoping to make that happen. They performed a whole bunch of tests, and everything was perfect except my hemoglobin. It was low so I was told to go back a week after I get enough rest and eat some iron-rich foods. I honestly don't recall why I didn't go back. Maybe I did not eat the foods I was told to eat. Maybe I had a messed-up sleeping pattern. Or maybe it was just not my time yet. But I have always been wanting to do it. Whenever I heard someone needing blood I was always the one to offer. But I didn't really get close to meeting the patient. It's either they got the needed blood or they're already well. In my heart, I always knew that my first time would be something I could never forget. I believed this and waited. To this day, I still don't like needles. But ohh boy, how I love going to the hospitals. I could stay all day at the hospital talking and praying for people and not care about time. And I realize, only God can put that in my heart.
I was talking to some intern nurses as I stepped on a weighing scale. I'm glad I'm over 50 kilograms or the whole donating blood journey would be over. Then one lady nurse examined my blood pressure. She said I have a low blood pressure. She tried one more time and it's still low. I started to get worried. She asked me if I ate breakfast. I said, "I had a piece of chocolate cake and a glass of fresh milk. Does it affect my blood pressure if I didn't get a heavy meal?" She said, "Yes."
Then a doctor announced that it's cut-off time. That means people will need to go back after lunch. People started to leave the place including the nurses. That really had me thinking, "What is this, Lord? Is this not the right time yet?" Then a man all in white went inside the room. I thought I heard someone calling my name. So I stood up from my seat and peeked into the open door, "Are you calling me?" He looked at me and motioned me to come in and sit down. He has my information (how did that happen?) and he had this sphygmomanometer ready on the table.
Bothered, I asked him, "I had a piece of chocolate cake and fresh milk for breakfast. Will that affect my blood pressure?" "No," he said.
I get to see Jenelyn's mother waiting for me outside. She told me a woman sitting beside her admired my bravery. So she was also able to tell the story that it's my first time and how God is behind the whole story!
We went to Jenelyn's room. I didn't see that woman that I spent time praying with last night on the other bed. They said her bleeding stopped and the doctor released her because she didn't need blood anymore. And that woman who shared bed with Jenelyn? She was just there looking at me with tears in her eyes. Her things were packed. And so I walked up to her. That smile on her face tells everything, she said, "He is real. My bleeding stopped. And I don't need blood. And the doctor said I could be released today, I am healed. Thank you so much."
We hugged each other. I prayed for her while she was just holding me tight. Oh how she was just so touched by the Holy Spirit. She started opening up more and more to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We talked more and more. She took my number. Then I went out to have lunch with the mother and Daisy. I am at a loss of words. No matter how many times healings take place, I don't think I will ever get used to that feeling. You can't really describe it. You can only experience it. It's always different every time. I wonder how God feels when I have that feeling of just how proud I am of Him not only for confirming His word - but because of who He is.
UPDATE:
December 4, 2018
I got a text from Jenelyn's mother. After Jenelyn got the third bag, the doctor checked her as she said she would and declared that she's already well. And so they are processing her hospital discharge papers.
December 5, 2018
The mother called in the morning telling that Jenelyn has been discharged. She also asked me if I have time to visit that room again. She said there were people who were asking and there were also new people that could use some prayer. She said I could use her visiting pass so I could go in and meet and pray for those people. So we met that night after school at the hospital. She gave me the visiting pass.
Everyone looked at me as I opened the door. I had one person in mind - the woman who was asking when I will come back. Jenelyn's mother told me about the woman as if I know the person, but I really had no clue who it was. I meet so many people every day. It would take a routinized habit of seeing each other or a very special moment to remember someone's face. I walked, stopped and asked a woman if she needed prayer.
She smiled at me. She thought I would never come back again. God is good, I sat down. Her children was with her - both adults who had so many questions. It made everyone in the room listen. They asked about my religion and if I would charge for healing. This is not something new to me. In a place where so many Christianized pagan religions emerge, there are two things you would be asked of as you approach them for prayer: your denomination and if you are charging. And they mean no harm, they are just sincerely asking because to them it matters. There are members of specific Christian denominations that don't want prayer outside of their own. There are also plenty of groups going around who do it in exchange of money. Then there are others who hand out envelopes right after telling about their ministry - If you don't give, I won't be able to do what God wants me to do. Should it not concern us that there is NO such practices in the New Testament?
I'm one of those people that are traumatized by these - that's why money has always been a sensitive topic to me - always going back to scripture as to how the early disciples dealt with money. Did they go around asking for people because they do so and so? Did they work? Did they wait on God to provide for their needs? What was their attitude towards this? How is the Holy Spirit leading? I'm discouraged by how people sometimes use God to fulfill their spiritualized fleshly goals. Because of this, people have become more closed. It makes other stumble. I can understand why Paul needed to preach on the topic about money. The gift of salvation in Christ Jesus is FREE. The Word is free. The healing is free. To preach the message of Salvation is not for making money. You don't charge people. Freely you have received, freely give. And when we Go - we go preach the name of the One we Love FOR the One we love. I hope that's not money, reputation, denomination, the ministry's name, nor our name. It's a calling from the Lord Jesus, we are separated unto the Gospel. Let it be Jesus and for Jesus.
The doctor then wrapped that cuff around my arm. I looked at him as he was intently listening from the gauge that was on his ear and at the small monitor. He has the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. And then he said that I have a normal blood pressure. "Oh, thank God!" He then walked me through private questions as needed. He pricked my finger, and for the first time I did not feel any pain at all. A set of mandatory tests was performed on the blood to make sure that the unit is safe and acceptable for use. He asked how I'm related to the patient, so it was also an opportunity to tell him how God led me. I shared with him how Jesus is amazing! Then I saw an innocent smile on his face. Sometimes I wonder if there was ever a time I talked to angels and entertained them lol All tests were completed and I was eligible for donating.
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| They said I could only donate one bag. |
I get to see Jenelyn's mother waiting for me outside. She told me a woman sitting beside her admired my bravery. So she was also able to tell the story that it's my first time and how God is behind the whole story!
We went to Jenelyn's room. I didn't see that woman that I spent time praying with last night on the other bed. They said her bleeding stopped and the doctor released her because she didn't need blood anymore. And that woman who shared bed with Jenelyn? She was just there looking at me with tears in her eyes. Her things were packed. And so I walked up to her. That smile on her face tells everything, she said, "He is real. My bleeding stopped. And I don't need blood. And the doctor said I could be released today, I am healed. Thank you so much."
We hugged each other. I prayed for her while she was just holding me tight. Oh how she was just so touched by the Holy Spirit. She started opening up more and more to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We talked more and more. She took my number. Then I went out to have lunch with the mother and Daisy. I am at a loss of words. No matter how many times healings take place, I don't think I will ever get used to that feeling. You can't really describe it. You can only experience it. It's always different every time. I wonder how God feels when I have that feeling of just how proud I am of Him not only for confirming His word - but because of who He is.
UPDATE:
December 4, 2018
I got a text from Jenelyn's mother. After Jenelyn got the third bag, the doctor checked her as she said she would and declared that she's already well. And so they are processing her hospital discharge papers.
December 5, 2018
The mother called in the morning telling that Jenelyn has been discharged. She also asked me if I have time to visit that room again. She said there were people who were asking and there were also new people that could use some prayer. She said I could use her visiting pass so I could go in and meet and pray for those people. So we met that night after school at the hospital. She gave me the visiting pass.
 |
| Walking in the hallway, I prayed God would lead me to the right room because I totally forgot which room it was! |
Everyone looked at me as I opened the door. I had one person in mind - the woman who was asking when I will come back. Jenelyn's mother told me about the woman as if I know the person, but I really had no clue who it was. I meet so many people every day. It would take a routinized habit of seeing each other or a very special moment to remember someone's face. I walked, stopped and asked a woman if she needed prayer.
She smiled at me. She thought I would never come back again. God is good, I sat down. Her children was with her - both adults who had so many questions. It made everyone in the room listen. They asked about my religion and if I would charge for healing. This is not something new to me. In a place where so many Christianized pagan religions emerge, there are two things you would be asked of as you approach them for prayer: your denomination and if you are charging. And they mean no harm, they are just sincerely asking because to them it matters. There are members of specific Christian denominations that don't want prayer outside of their own. There are also plenty of groups going around who do it in exchange of money. Then there are others who hand out envelopes right after telling about their ministry - If you don't give, I won't be able to do what God wants me to do. Should it not concern us that there is NO such practices in the New Testament?
I'm one of those people that are traumatized by these - that's why money has always been a sensitive topic to me - always going back to scripture as to how the early disciples dealt with money. Did they go around asking for people because they do so and so? Did they work? Did they wait on God to provide for their needs? What was their attitude towards this? How is the Holy Spirit leading? I'm discouraged by how people sometimes use God to fulfill their spiritualized fleshly goals. Because of this, people have become more closed. It makes other stumble. I can understand why Paul needed to preach on the topic about money. The gift of salvation in Christ Jesus is FREE. The Word is free. The healing is free. To preach the message of Salvation is not for making money. You don't charge people. Freely you have received, freely give. And when we Go - we go preach the name of the One we Love FOR the One we love. I hope that's not money, reputation, denomination, the ministry's name, nor our name. It's a calling from the Lord Jesus, we are separated unto the Gospel. Let it be Jesus and for Jesus.
Going back, they had so many questions and I loved it! Not because I know how to answer all of them correctly, but that I can completely rely on the power of God because I don't have all the answers. The woman said she saw me praying for the three women and they all got healed. She said she now believes in Jesus. She has non-stop bleeding and a Myoma. I shared with them the bleeding incident in the Bible. After praying, she looked really surprised, she felt something move inside her belly and felt the presence of peace came over here.
I get to talk to another woman and her husband. I can tell they have been waiting for their turn. Her bleeding is a different kind. As her words, "I don't bleed like the rest of the women here do. When I bleed, it's like my body just wants to discharge all my blood at one time." She has cervical cancer. She was crying as she was telling me her story. She was hopeless. She didn't want to leave her kids yet. She didn't want to die yet. She realized she's not spiritually prepared to face the Lord.
My heart broke with her. But we are called to speak LIFE to people. If people have one hundred bondages, we should renounce them one by one in the name of Jesus. We must, as disciples, use this authority. The woman from another bed joined us as I prayed for the woman. Then I talked to her about the brevity of life, what sin is, the redemptive plan of God through Jesus, how helpless we are without Christ. That there's hope in Jesus. Salvation is only through Him. Healing. Getting born again. To repent. Be baptized. To receive the Holy Spirit. Becoming one with Him. Following Him.
Then she told me that she has been asking God lately what her life's purpose is and she cried again. I think God revealed it to her at that time. Oh how precious the LORD was to straighten out the confusion in her life! She said, "I have wasted my life doing what I wanted. I spent my whole life sinning against God." She cried even more as the LORD began to reveal sins to her.
How I love to hear when one person breaks down over his/her sins. There was no need to lead her to repentance. The Lord was already moving in His own way. Then she began praying out loud to the LORD, asking for His forgiveness, repenting from her sins, giving her whole heart and life to Him, "I want this life now to be for You and to be used for Your kingdom. I trust You. Do as You please, LORD."
Seeing people come back to the Lord always makes me flash back to the time when I first encountered the LORD. It's so so precious. This time it was different - how He must have hugged me when I came back home to Him just as I was hugging the woman. I felt the strong love of God right at that moment that I couldn't help myself but cry. I looked at her as she wiped away her tears, I can already start to see and feel her breakthrough. How my heart leaped with joy when I saw her wide smile on her face for the first time. She was so full of peace and joy and hope that no one and nothing in this world can ever give but JESUS!
I was there almost midnight speaking to them and praying. I went home with the biggest smile ever and slept with a heart so full. Isn't God so awesome?! It's crazy to me how it all started with fried chicken. Never in my entire life have I ever thought of fasting from fried chicken before because...
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| I mean just look at that haha |
But I'm glad God had His way! What stands out to me is that He didn't tell me "why" I needed to go inside the fast food restaurant, or "who" is in there, or "what it was for" at the time I questioned the urge. If He did, I would have filtered it by my analytical brain and probably did the complete opposite thing of what He had in mind. Do you feel me? But at that very moment I went in still trying to make sense of what just happened...hears two people talking...and bam bam bam! Isn't He awesome?! Just how HE orchestrates everything beautifully at the right time?!
My desire to donate blood has finally came to fruition - in ways I could have never imagined! And as the doctor said, "May it be the first of the many to come!" I really look forward to doing it again when led by the Holy Spirit.
I will always stand in awe of the sovereignty of God and His supernatural guidance that comes one step at a time. I honestly don't understand everything that comes with it especially in personal evangelism. But what I do know is that He will not lead us somewhere we have not been prepared or equipped by Him to go. At the end of the day, it's about fulfilling the purpose for which God has for us. He tells us where to go and where not to go according to His will as we make ourselves willing and available to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He gives us both the ability and the opportunities to minister, and the empowerment to take the mission of bringing the Gospel to the hopeless and dying world.
I look at this whole experience and I smile at the thought how God works in the impossible so when the task is finished, we cannot take any credit or whatsoever. I am really grateful for that, and I give Him all the glory He so deserves! Jesus!
