April 2015 MMC: Purpose

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Good morning from Kenya! There are a few of us up early sipping on our tea, spending some time in the Word, and enjoying the stillness of the morning before the world awakes. Breakfast will be served shortly, and then we will head out for Day Three of Medical Ministry Camp.

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All I could see was the long line of people as I looked out the window from my intake station inside the church, which has been transformed into a clinic for Medical Ministry Camp. People outside waiting so patiently to be seen and treated, wondering when their turn would be next. We were only a few hours into our second day of Medical Ministry Camp, but for a moment, I felt so overwhelmed by the need. There were patients waiting for intake, waiting for the doctors, and waiting for their meds at the pharmacy station. It was crowded inside, yet when I saw the line outside stretching out towards the main road, the people inside seemed so small. I questioned if we would be able to see everyone. As I listen to what is going on around me, I hear a baby coughing and someone explaining the importance of being tested for HIV.

Through the noise and the chaos, I see a patient wiping her eyes as one of our team members envelops her frail 80-year old hands within hers. That is why we are here. We are here to take away headaches, treat infections, and help get rid of that nasty productive cough. But our purpose is so much greater. We are here to love. We are here to encourage. We are here to plant seeds. As the 80-year old woman opens her eyes after praying, a huge smile spreads across her face. Without any words, you could see the fear and the pain melt away. Even if we cannot see every person in the village, we are here for a specific purpose. God is using us. God is moving.

Over the past two days, medications have been prescribed, wounds have been cleaned and dressed, and injections given. Our dentist, Ezequiel, has pulled many teeth, filled cavities, and chipped away thick plaque. Once again, thank you so much for praying for the people of Kenya and for each of our team members. God is good!