David’s deep desire had always been to serve God on the mission field. He applied to med school. But why?
It was exactly four years since high school graduation. Now in four days, he would graduate from the university. He’d opted not to walk with his class, but to receive his diploma by mail. Why? Today he was boarding a plane and heading to the University of Guadalajara to study Spanish by immersion for ten weeks. He would live with a Mexican family that would only converse with him in Spanish.
His parting words were “Mom, what if I’m accepted to med school? I don’t even know if that’s what I want!”
His mom just said, “Pray!”
David had been in Guadalajara a week when he wrote that he missed having Christian fellowship. “Could you call some churches and ask if anyone knows any Christian missionaries down here?”
His mother prayed, made calls and was able to find a pastor who knew of a missionary nurse. Not exactly what he was looking for. Or was it?
The very next day David called with a high fever and earache. That very nurse drove him to the hospital, a hospital run by the Southern Baptist Convention! Inspirational music played over the sound system. Framed Bible verses hung on the walls. There was even a Christian bookstore in the lobby!
David was diagnosed with a ruptured eardrum and told to return daily for treatments. After three days he asked if they could use a volunteer. He explained that he’d applied to medical school and was waiting for acceptance. Although he had Spanish class every morning, he was free in the afternoons. He prayed this might be God’s will.
The answer was YES! David could work alongside their own medical students, between 1 – 9 PM daily. He went on ambulance runs, helped in the Emergency Department and later the Operating Room. He helped get patients into wheelchairs. Sometimes they’d ask for prayer and there were opportunities to share the Lord. He soon discovered there WAS ministry in medicine.
Before he departed Guadalajara he learned of his acceptance to med school. Today he is serving God in medicine.
- Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
- Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
- THE STORY OF A DREAM – By Kathleen
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This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/
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Kathleen, through many tears I have just read all of your posts in the ‘Illness or Hospital’ category. What beautiful posts, short; but oh! so powerful. Thank you so much for your ministry which gives God all the glory.