Our young friend Liam is still an undergrad, but hopes to someday be accepted to medical school. His Christian university organized a six-week medical mission trip for pre-med students to be a support to the medical missionaries at a hospital run by Samaritan’s Purse in a country in West Africa. Liam was able to raise most of his financial support from friends and church and was eagerly looking forward to accompanying eight other team members.
The flight from California was long, but the students were fired up and ready. Upon arrival they were suddenly overwhelmed with heat and humidity. The first few days Liam developed fever, dysentery, heat rash and a bad reaction to the antibiotics. His emails home were full of complaints about his intestinal issues, the mosquitoes and the unbelievable heat and humidity. Moreover, his sleeping quarters had no air conditioning! He asked for prayer and encouragement from God’s Word.
His family at home prayed and sent Scripture verses to keep him going. A week later there was a marked change! It seemed he had recovered! He wrote that things were going much better and he was actually experiencing joy! He had watched his first surgery, was learning a great deal from shadowing doctors, and even helping them with mundane chores.
Then he said, “I’m realizing this trip–and my life in general, is not about me. Please pray that I can be a blessing to these missionaries and that I can be thankful for my time here.”
I’d say God answered prayer! Would you agree?
- If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24
- Learn more about Samaritan’s Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/medical/mission-hospitals/
- SONG: JUNGLE MISSIONARIES – by Kathleen
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In Christ there is always victory. Praise God for this opportunity, his healing, and the lessons learned.
Praise God indeed! He is faithful!
I do believe that pray and the inspiration of the Scriptures made a marked difference. We should never underestimate the power of prayer and of the Word of God.
Oh, I certainly agree! Unfortunately it seems that when God answers prayer we often find it hard to believe that He really IS faithful! Answered prayer does build up faith.