For many years I had felt God calling me to be involved in foreign missions through healthcare outreach, but I repeatedly put off responding to that tug on my heart because of my own fears and insecurities and the excuses of others. I had looked at many medical mission trips, but never committed to go. Finally, I realized that God did not require any sort of expertise or knowledge on my part. He only wanted me to be an empty vessel who was willing to obey His call to, “Go!” (Matthew 28:19-20).
My trip to Haiti changed my life in that it exposed me to a world very different from my own but reminded me that I serve the same God as my Haitian sisters and brothers! I saw God work in incredible ways through the healing of many of those who were ill, both physically and spiritually.
I also recognized that God is in control of each situation even when I don’t understand His ways. One 3-month-old baby brought to the clinic had severe hydrocephalus and was quickly nearing the end of his life. Being a pediatric nurse, I thought about all the resources and care that would be easily available in the States and was frustrated that I could not do anything to help heal this baby. As the team gathered together to pray over this boy and his mom, God reminded me that He is in control, and He has a perfect plan even when we can’t understand it. I know that somehow this baby’s story will be used for God’s glory.
I also saw God working through each member of the team. We only had 13 team members, but God filled us with His strength and bonded us in His unity to make us effective for the task. We ended up seeing over 900 patients in four days of clinic, and 15 people came to salvation at the clinic sites!
The highlight of my trip was leading two women to Jesus. I am thrilled that even if I never meet these ladies again on this earth, I will see and rejoice with them in Heaven! Most importantly I know that their spiritual healing by the Great Physician will have an eternal impact rather than the few months of physical healing they may have received from the clinic.
If you have never been on a medical mission trip, I urge you to go! Your faith will be strengthened as you see our awesome God work in amazing ways. Be an empty vessel for Him, and He will display His power through you.
My trip to Haiti changed my life in that it exposed me to a world very different from my own but reminded me that I serve the same God as my Haitian sisters and brothers! I saw God work in incredible ways through the healing of many of those who were ill, both physically and spiritually.
I also recognized that God is in control of each situation even when I don’t understand His ways. One 3-month-old baby brought to the clinic had severe hydrocephalus and was quickly nearing the end of his life. Being a pediatric nurse, I thought about all the resources and care that would be easily available in the States and was frustrated that I could not do anything to help heal this baby. As the team gathered together to pray over this boy and his mom, God reminded me that He is in control, and He has a perfect plan even when we can’t understand it. I know that somehow this baby’s story will be used for God’s glory.
I also saw God working through each member of the team. We only had 13 team members, but God filled us with His strength and bonded us in His unity to make us effective for the task. We ended up seeing over 900 patients in four days of clinic, and 15 people came to salvation at the clinic sites!
The highlight of my trip was leading two women to Jesus. I am thrilled that even if I never meet these ladies again on this earth, I will see and rejoice with them in Heaven! Most importantly I know that their spiritual healing by the Great Physician will have an eternal impact rather than the few months of physical healing they may have received from the clinic.
If you have never been on a medical mission trip, I urge you to go! Your faith will be strengthened as you see our awesome God work in amazing ways. Be an empty vessel for Him, and He will display His power through you.
