Thank you to all who
supported me prayerfully, financially and / or logistically in the February Medical/Ministry
Mission Trip to
Togo, West Africa. This
truly was a team effort, not just of the 20 members who physically went, but
all God’s people (you) who He invited to be a part of what he is doing there.
You’re role was just as vital as mine and I pray that you will recognize and
receive His blessings from your obedience.
I want to start off by
apologizing in the delay of updating you. Truthfully, it has been challenging
for me to write this letter and I’m not sure why. Could be….I’m still
processing… or the enemy doesn’t want me to tell you what you were a part of… I
believe it’s a little of both. But, in NO WAY does it have anything to do with the
effectiveness of this trip. It was so
successful on so many levels and I will do my best in sharing in a way that you
get the whole picture – the “cliff notes” version. For the extended
version, be on the lookout for upcoming blogs.
MEDICALLY
We were able to conduct 8 clinics in three Togolese villages for the
Pioneers Togo
missionary effort. During this time, over 1000 patients received care (medical
consultation, glasses, medication, dentistry, consideration for surgery).
The medical need is huge because few have access to any of these. The fact that
we were able to stay in a village multiple days made it possible to see all
those who needed to be seen… and It gave those who heard via word of mouth more
time to travel (please note this is Togo Travel) to the clinic. This was a
blessing because in the past we have to leave without many being
seen.
Highlights:
-
I extracted a tooth while assisting the
dentist. Being non-medical, this was truly rewarding to be able to ease
someone’s physical pain so quickly. Who would’ve thought I’d like looking in
peoples mouths and not pass out!
-
We witnessed a life saved (physically). A man had been unable to
eat solid food for months due to a severe case of lockjaw. I was
honored to
take part by helping to pry his mouth open wide enough to be given anesthesia
and a muscle relaxer. The next day he was able to open his mouth wide enough
and receive the treatment needed.
-
I came so close
to trying to sneak a precious orphan into my suitcase and making her a part
of our family. (Some may ask why I didn’t. Unfortunately, but sometimes
fortunately, the adoption process is complicated in Togo… and I probably should discuss
something like that with my husband first!)
-
Not a highlight, but just plain crazy. Who knew it rained in Togo!?!?!?
It rained at least 4 of our 8 clinic days, and threatened to on more days. This
posed extra challenges for us, but we made it through thanks to our excellent
leadership!
SPIRITUALLY - We
were able to place a huge emphasis on ministry this year with such a large
team. It resulted in an impact well beyond the length of our trip.
1) Teaching resources (Men’s, Women’s and
Children’s) were created, taught and left for the spiritual leaders of the
village. This time was much needed to pour into, pray for, encourage, and equip
these anointed servants to continue their work. These brave men and women
persevere through great hardships to fulfill their calling.
2) We began each
clinic with a skit (which amazingly broke through the language barrier). Through this, the missionaries had an
opportunity to speak to large crowds waiting and watching
(well over the 1000 patients seen). Many came just for medicine or to
see the Yovo’s
(white people) in
action,
but they received so much more!
Lives were
saved and seeds were planted before our eyes.
3) We raised $1000 and were
able to purchase 140 translated bibles to take with us. You could see the
hunger the believer’s had for Word. Something
we so easily take for granted and don’t recognize as a need in America
is HUGE nourishment for the Togolese. We have much to learn from them!
4) Being
non-medical and working in a medical clinic was challenging. Each role I was placed in (triage, glasses,
medicine teaching) was seen as a creative ministry opportunity that only He
could have orchestrated! Ask me about
this and the divine appointments. I’d
LOVE to share! God’s plan
all along was for me to focus on the patient’s spiritual healing.
Highlights:
- -
My very first
patient to work with was the village chief. God turned it into a 30 minute opportunity
to speak about the circumstances he was facing and how God can heal the
brokenness we have in any situation. He
was planning to connect with the village missionary who I believe had just been
given permission to return to the village.
- Being in charge of the
glasses station can be a frustrating role
because many times it’s a guessing game knowing the prescription they need. There were 5 instances where I was about to give up in
searching for glasses.
Each time, I
prayed for the Lord to intervene and He came through – I reached into a random
bag and the very next pair worked!
-
I cannot describe how
honored and rewarding it was to worship and
fellowship with the Christian women in the village. We are from two different worlds, but truly have the same struggles,
desires and hearts!
ALL
TIME HIGHLIGHT
Seeing
an elderly farmer’s look of intrigue, disbelief and acceptance after hearing
the story of Jesus for the very first time! I had the honor of leading him and his family through the
salvation prayer and connecting him with the local missionary.
Lastly, I've realized mission trips are not so much about the details of your trip, but instead, WHAT GOD TAUGHT YOU WHILE THERE and WHETHER YOU WILL BRING IT BACK WITH YOU. Be on the lookout for upcoming blogs on His lessons for me this year -
1) He is so much bigger than my limitations
2) His yoke IS easy
Thank you for letting
me share! In His Service, Christie
