Though in rural settings, these
are sizeable hospitals of 200 beds or more, and they are well
established, with many decades of outreach. Each institution has
its own unique program of serving the rural communities by village
health workers, identifying and serving the disabled, rural dispensaries
and community enrichment programs—all with a witness to
that life that can only be found in Christ Jesus. We find that
our experience in these communities of healing is stretching and
inspiring. In addition to professional input, we go as missionaries
who have seen our own share of bumps and turns, and we would like
to believe that we often are able to give encouragement to those
who are holding the line in these difficult, isolated situations.
God willing, the new year will allow our return to several of
these hospitals, bringing appropriate books, other teaching materials,
and equipment.
One of the exciting things about missions is the opportunity
to serve with other members of the family of God. Barriers that
too often create jealousy and isolation can melt away in a sea
of great need and opportunity for the gospel. Bridges of ministry
to pain, deformity, and sickness will frequently cross into areas
otherwise separated by politics, tribalism, sectarianism, and
language.
Disease and injury can be found anywhere man inhabits this planet.
Unfortunately, the greater part of that expanse is in areas where
transportation and communication are difficult and money is very
scarce. The amenities we consider normal for the poor of the West,
such as paved roads, electricity, and running water, are usually
absent for the average man in the Third World. During the past
15 years the poorer countries have been getting poorer, so the
term “developing nations” may be a misnomer.
Where does the farmer with his child who has burning fever and
other signs of malaria go for healing? How about the woman who
has been in obstetrical labor for 48 hours, now weakened and sinking,
find delivery (in both senses of that word)? And the boy who has
fallen high out of a mango tree with bone of a broken tibia projecting
from his leg? Meet the old men who have become unable to urinate
due to huge, untreated prostate enlargement. Consider the old
grandmother who has watched her breast cancer finally break through
the skin to become a suppurating, odoriferous millstone to drag
her to the grave. There are those who have adverse, even life-threatening
skin reaction to their malaria drugs. Consider AIDS victims racked
by tuberculosis and a host of other opportunistic infections.
The list could go on and on. People in great need who are far
from the city and outside of the mission hospital may be at best
finding a little one-room clinic operated by a marginally trained
attendant.
The typical mission hospital has 100 to 250 beds. One or two
missionary doctors and nurses as well as national physicians,
nursing and other ancillary staff, typically staff these outposts
of rescue. Usually there is an X-ray machine, ultrasound, and
a laboratory doing basic tests. Oxygen may have to be extracted
from the air by machine. Often intravenous fluids are manufactured
on the site. Prices are stringently low to allow services to the
poor but hopefully meet the operating cost of salaries, utilities,
medical supplies, and food. Capital costs such as buildings and
equipment usually come from donors. Maintenance may be a luxury
to be postponed.
Our children and their families have faced the usual stresses
of heavy schedules, trying to make a go of small business, raising
small children, and job hunting. There is nevertheless much to
give thanks for, and most particularly that quality of abundance
that Jesus Christ promised His followers. Contact us for details
and digital photos!
Joy and peace in the Source,
Mia and Stan Topple
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
55 |
