| In mid-July, the global intern program
at PC(USA) sent a lovely young Christian pre-medical student here
to study missionary medicine. Prior to her Haiti adventure, Catherine
had been a confirmed California big-city girl, but here she got
a good exposure to the countryside. She participated in all the
clinical and administrative activities at the hospital, and was
assigned to mobile clinics twice each week and thus marched out
to see village life and health care. Catherine helped at vaccinations
and was able to gather data for a nutrition survey of the region’s
children under age 5. She designed and implemented two new reporting
forms for our medical records department and rapidly established
herself as the computer expert in residence. Neighborhood children
delighted in her friendly smile and handshake. She also ministered
to us, her mentors, in the times of Bible study, meditation, and
quiet evening conversations we shared with her. Her faith is her
light, and her light and life in medicine, mission, or whatever
is her choice will continue to glorify God. You can read Catherine’s
reflections on her time here by clicking here.
Returning on their 10th annual September medical mission to Covenant
Hospital came a seasoned surgical group led by Dr. Sylvia Campbell
and including her pastor and support team members. This was the
first large medical group we have hosted, and what a joy to have
them! The halls of the hospital overflowed with patients from
far and near seeking consultation on medical as well as surgical
problems, and every bed soon filled with post-op patients. The
clinical work continued long, and our solar-powered system was
called into extra duty as the operating room lights burned and
OR equipment buzzed into the hours of darkness. In addition to
med-surg activities, the team fitted donated eyeglasses for two
days and helped with hospital equipment maintenance. This was
a tremendously busy week of patient care for all of us but was
balanced by some walks in the neighborhood, morning group-devotions
led by Pastor John, and a celebration dinner given to the hospital’s
employees for all their faithful support and long hours. Then
suddenly, in what seemed like the same whirlwind that brought
them, they were gone, with hugs and tears for all and promises
for another time.
Three different kinds of visitors to this ministry, three wonderfully
different blessings for the people of Mombin Crochu, three ways
our lives have been enriched by God’s grace and His faithful
people working in the name of Jesus Christ.
We continue in thought and prayers for all of you, and ask yours
in return. Thank you so much for all the different kinds of loving
support that you give us. God’s richest blessings in His
Spirit.
Paul and Joan McLain
|
