This morning our Team studied the following verses from Ephesians 3: 14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
These verses helped fill and encourage our hearts as we got ready for our first full day of medical missions at Pastor Danny’s church. For those of you who have been following our previous journeys, this was our third visit to this amazing little church, and it was the home of baby Sharmain who touched us so profoundly last year.
Many church volunteers had prepared the church for our arrival and, like a well-oiled machine, the Team got the medical stations set up in no time. Each patient is triaged by several of the Sankey Staff ladies who take a brief medical history, weight, height, temperature, and blood pressure. The patients all get an eye check and ear cleaning and check. Then the patients see one of the medical providers. Today Doc Arjel joined us, along with two doctors from the Department of Health. These same doctors had visited our first medical mission at Pastor Danny’s church two years ago, and they attended that first mission with a critical eye and very serious faces. Today they came in with smiles and warm greetings and were very helpful in seeing our 203 patients.
After seeing one of the medical providers, the patients may visit our wound care station or the breathing station depending on their needs. Mac Mac, one of the Sankey students who is now studying medicine, was Jeff’s translator today, and he got to assist in his first minor surgery at the wound station. We often lance infected boils or cysts, and there was a teenage boy with a very infected ear that needed attention. With instructions from Jeff, Mac Mac lanced the wound and assisted in dressing it. It is amazing to see how Mac Mac has matured and grown these last few years. He is becoming an amazing young man- and we are so excited to see how God uses him to serve others.
If the patients visit either of these two stations, they make another visit to one of the medical providers before heading to the pharmacy. All patients get a round of vitamins to take home, as well as any medication that they may need for treatment. Then each patient is prayed for by one of the pastors, and if they are interested, have the opportunity to take a correspondence course to learn more about Jesus.
With all of the help today, we were able to see all the patients by 2:30 in the afternoon, which allowed us time for rest and a bit of play. Our time with the kids tonight started with a time in God’s Word and talking through the first session in the discipleship series we will be doing with them. Then we played a rousing two games of bunko and watched a movie with the kiddos. Note: We actually watched the movie- but as we were in the gym, the echo was TERRIBLE, and we couldn’t understand a word of it. The kids had all seen it before- so they laughed and sighed at all the right places.
Thank you again to all of you who donated every vitamin and medication. And thank you for praying!
