One of my (James) favorite mission field experiences occurred in 2019.  It was my first medical mission trip and was very eye opening to the suffering of others. 

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One day, a patient of mine was a middle-aged man that had a smile that lit up the area.  He was barefoot, unkept, and very happy to be there.  He even acted as his own IV pole by holding his fluids up in the air as he waited (IV poles were a hot commodity).  As I completed his preop evaluation through my translator, it was discovered that this man had spent the last 3 days hitchhiking from Chile.  He had been in pain for some time which was caused by gallstones.  Because he had limited income, (as most Latin Americans do) he couldn’t afford the surgery to have it removed.  However, the Lord works all things out.  Apparently, he had family in the area we were serving in.  They somehow alerted him to our presence and off he went!  After 3 days of walking and hitching rides, he made it to our area.  After an ultrasound, it was indeed proven that he had a horrible looking gallbladder and needed it removed. 

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I could stop this story here and it would be amazing, right?  The Lord worked it out and the man got his gallbladder out.  Indeed, he did!  However, it was discovered that not only did he have gallstones, but he had been suffering from chronic inflammation of the gallbladder. It had progressed to the point that his gallbladder was gangrenous and posed an immediate threat to his life.  I’ll never forget what the surgeon said to me.  “James.  He probably wouldn’t have made it another week or two.  Peritonitis would have set in, and he would have become septic”. 

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This experience with this man showed me three things.  First, faith in the Lord can move mountains.  This man had a hopeless situation.  He had been living with chronic abdominal pain with no means to rectify it.  He even knew what the problem was and the solution to it.  However, his only hope was the glimmer of a chance that a visiting medical team no where near him could alleviate it. 

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Second: sometimes action is required of us.  He could have sat there and prayed for healing.  I do believe that the Lord heals people supernaturally.  I also believe that sometimes He gives us a solution that we must work for.  “Put your money where your mouth is” so to say.  He had faith enough that the Lord would use us to heal him that he blindly set off on a trip, not knowing if he would reach us in time.  And if he did, if we would be able to do his surgery.  But he prayed, had faith, and took off.

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Third: even in our suffering we can be joyful.  I can honestly say that I have NEVER seen a patient in that much pain with a smile as big as his.  I’ve seen cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder).  I’ve even had it!  IT IS PAINFUL.  And on top of it, his had progressed to a stage that it was probably affecting the rest of his body.  Yet, there he was.  Barefoot, unkept, smiling.  The joy of the Lord beaming from his face. 

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I wish I could remember his name.  Sadly, I don’t.  But I do remember the lessons he taught me.  Have faith in God, back it up with action, and no matter the pain you’re going through, be joyful!  And…. I remember his big ole smile.

Many people have asked Emily and I why we have committed to full time medical ministry.  They just didn’t understand how we could leave our family, friends, lifestyle, and income to move to another country and culture and live off the support of others. Well, this story, along with many others is why. 

Simply put; God called us:  to use our skills and talents to serve others the way Jesus served, to leave behind a life of working to maintain a big house, Disney vacations, and private school educations, and to walk into a life of working to alleviate suffering, show the love of Christ, and to store our treasures in Heaven.  He has asked us to have faith, act, and be joyful along the way. 

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Globally, 4.5 billion people, more than half of the global population, do not have access to essential health services. Healthcare is a right that too many in this world do not have access to in their communities. This story can change so that more people have access to essential health services.

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We have only scratched the surface of this journey.  Let's change this story together. We want to invite you to partner with us so you too can be a part of what God is doing in Mexico. 

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"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31: 8-9

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