A lady with a bright orange scarf caught my eye and waved me over. I could tell just from looking at her that she was happy. She explained to me the best English she could muster that she could SEE! She came to our medical clinic, saw one of the doctors, and then was able to go pick out a pair of glasses. She was so excited that she could see the world around her clearly again. She was glowing with excitement and joy.
In mid-January our team was able to serve almost 1,150 people through providing counseling (including prayer with every patient), health education, medical and dental care, and eyeglasses for those who needed them. We worked in 4 different tribal and religious communities bringing the presence and love of Jesus to those who are often overlooked and marginalized. We saw patients who had never seen a doctor before, and they were adults! I was able to use my skills as a nursing assistant to help with taking blood pressure, and I also learned to do blood sugar testing and give nebulizer treatments for breathing problems. It is encouraging to be helpful yet heart breaking to know that many of them do not have the financial resources to care for their physical ailments. Staff who did counseling reported that many people were very open about the issues they were having and often crying with the counselors and gladly receiving prayer. We were able to make Jesus known in practical ways among people who do not understand who He is. Praise God for safety and the opportunity to do good and to make Him known!