Theater anyone?

One of the things I had to get used to when I first came to Kenya was the use of British English.  We American's speak the same language as the British but at times the vocabulary is quite different.  Some examples of words I've had to introduce dual meanings to are:  the boot (trunk of a car), football (soccer), lorry (truck), chemists (drug store), crisps (potato chips), chips (french fries), pudding (dessert), mobile (cell phone).

And last but not least is the theater.  Operating Room. A place where surgery is done.  In Kenya, Tenwek Hospital's theater department has mushroomed and is an incredibly busy place.  I can remember helping out in the OR at Tenwek in 1981 when I was a Nursing Student having a summer missions experience.

Tenwek Hospital has come a long way since then!  People come from all over the country to receive excellent physical and spiritual care.  They even come from other countries.  My friend, Dr. Carol Spears, one of the surgeons at Tenwek Hospital, recently told me about a young girl named Achu from Sudan who was sent for care for a one year old leg injury.  

Dr. Carol Spears, Achu's sister, Achu and Dr. Dan Galat

Tenwek Hospital, Kenya

Through a series of miracles Achu was able to travel to Kenya and receive surgical care and is on her way to recovery.  But this is not the case for thousands of others. . . .

Unfortunately there are very few, if any, well staffed and equipped theatre's (operating rooms) in South Sudan.   Memorial Christian Hospital does have a theater.  But without a full time surgeon it doesn't get used as often as there is need.  That is why two weeks from now a surgical team from Tenwek Hospital, led by Dr. Russ White, plans to travel to Werkok.

Tenwek Hospital's theater

There have been no fresh outbreaks of violence in the area and the local community have moved back to their homes.  Please pray for this outreach!  Pray for peace between the rival ethnic groups, for safe travel, good health,  stamina despite the heat, wisdom in addressing challenging cases,  and the opportunity to show and tell people about God's love for them.

Pray that the acts that unfold on the stage at Memorial Christian Hospital will be living proof that God is good, God is in control, and God wants to transform the community of Werkok through changed hearts and lives.

Thank you for setting the stage for the surgical clinic in Werkok with your prayers!

joy

WANTED!

If you've been blessed with skills in maintenance, building, mechanics, hostessing, or in a health related field and you feel God leading you out of your comfort zone to serve Him . . . this just might be the opportunity for you!

World Gospel Mission's Mango Ministries in conjunction with Partners in Compassionate Care is looking for a couple to serve at Memorial Christian Hospital for up to six months at a go.  This is NOT an adventure for the faint hearted.  If you are adaptable, innovative, love people, love God more, are excited about learning new cultures and feel God calling you to live on the edge while helping build the new nation of South Sudan ~ email me!

After reading my last blog where I mentioned needing help with logistics a friend felt convicted that God wants him to volunteer with Mango Ministries.  Making the leap to living and ministering in Africa isn't easy, but I have found that God always meets my needs.  Here's what my friend shared as he begins his journey to South Sudan.

"So after we talked on skype I am incredibly excited and feel God is leading. But I was worried because I had just signed for a lease on an apartment and didn't know how much it would cost to break it. That night when I got home from work my land lord called and said she had bad news for me. They are going to tear down that apartment in June so I don't have to move in if I don't want to because I would have to move out. That was an incredible sign I believe that God gave me. That was my only obligation and he broke it and saved my money to serve."

How cool is that?!  Please pray for my friend Tim as he applies to join our team and help with logistics.

Also pray for the right staff to assist at Memorial Christian Hospital in Werkok.  Does God WANT you to join our team too?  We have other opportunities for doctors and nurses too!  Contact me if you're interested.

I will be taking a surgical team from Tenwek Hospital to Werkok from March 26th to April 3rd.  I will appreciate your prayers for the security situation to remain calm and for lots of opportunities for our team to glorify God through successful surgeries as well as sharing with the community and resident staff.

Do you have a God-story after answering God's WANTED call in your life?
I'd love to hear it.

joy