“Yesterday, I was carrying out the most ignoble procedure a surgeon can do, and caught myself thinking ‘this is not what I came here to do’. Followed immediately by the challenge ‘but I thought you wanted to serve others?”
The knowledge and skill that J* has, if working in the UK, would mean a lucrative salary. Instead, J works in one of the most dangerous countries in the world, sharing not only medical training, but the gospel with those who otherwise would never hear the truth.
We don’t go as missionaries, we go in ways that serve the communities we live amongst.
There many countries in the world where Christian missionaries are not allowed entry, where declaring the name of Jesus is unwelcome, and in some cases is illegal. But the Great Commission commands us to ‘go and make disciples of all nations’, and many in these nations are desperately seeking the truth and answers that only the Bible can give.
So, we go. We don’t go as missionaries, we go in ways that serve the communities we live amongst. We go, and use the gifts and talents God has given us. That’s exactly what J is doing, but it’s not always easy. Often it means humility, perseverance and courage.
At other times, it’s easier to see God’s plan and his desire to care for his people. J shares “Recently I have noticed a significant, although not overwhelming, increase in the number of patients I have seen, and operated on, over the last month. Too many of them had been seeing a traditional ‘healer’ who has scarred them terribly with some completely bizarre, and unnecessary, potion. The consequences for these patients definitely fall in my area of expertise, even if I have never seen anything like this before.”
In the hard times, in those lonely moments, J needs your prayers. In the busyness, in the emergency situations, J needs your prayers. J asks ‘please pray for me, for the freedom, and boldness, to engage in meaningful discussions about Christ.’
Could you commit to praying for J, and for our other mission partners serving across Africa? If so, then please sign up below to receive our prayer materials directly.
*name changed and gender hidden for security purposes