Local pharmacy students assist Dan Loper, HCM missionary associate.
Local pharmacy students assist Dan Loper, HCM missionary associate.
May 13

Sometimes the stethoscope can get into places that the Bible cannot.  But if the one holding the stethoscope is a Christ-follower, then the Word is there through smiles, kind words, and compassionate touches.  Such was the case when a HealthCare Ministries team traveled to a sensitive country in southern Asia to hold a medical clinic.  They weren't able to openly share their faith to this unreached people group in a remote village, but their presence made inroads for the missionary in gaining the people's trust and opening their eyes to the light shining from within them.

 

The following are reflections by the missionary HCM worked with of the medical clinic in this sensitive country--


We awaited the beginning of the welcome ceremony that is the custom when honored guests arrive in the village.  Finally an older woman stepped into the middle of the clearing and addressed us in her native Gurung language. Through the aid of an interpreter, we heard her welcome us to their village on behalf of the local women's committee.  It was significant to me that she was the first village "official" to speak at the welcome ceremony.  Knowing that in Hinduism and Buddhism, village matriarchs are usually the caretakers - and enforcers - of local religious traditions, I leaned over to the HCM pharmacist sitting next to me and remarked:

"That's most likely the lady who controls the spiritual atmosphere of this entire village.  If she were to give her heart to Christ, it would make a huge impact not only in this village, but in this entire area."

With the ceremonies concluded, the work of the medical camp was underway.  Over the next five days, I watched as the team of medical doctors, a COT, nurses and pharmacist treated the local villagers, some of whom had walked for nearly three days to seek medical aid.  Aches and pains were soothed.  Boils were lanced.  Eye exams were given and prescription eyeglasses were distributed.  In some cases, serious diseases were diagnosed and referred to the nearest hospital, which was a two-day walk from the village for anyone who was unfortunate enough not to get a seat on the one overcrowded bus that made the daily trip.

Midway through the week, we received an invitation to sit with the village women's committee for an evening meeting.  We were told that many of them were curious to know more about us, and specifically what would motivate a group of people from the other side of the planet to come all the way to their little village to offer medical care.  Sensing an opportunity, a select group from our team happily accepted the invitation.  With the help of a local pastor who served as our interpreter, we were able to sit with the spiritual leaders of the village and share the reason why we had come.  We shared about the love of Jesus that we had all experienced, and explained that it was the love of Christ that motivated us.  

"We came," said one of the other missionaries, "because we wanted you to know that Jesus loves you."  

The women who were crammed into the smoky room of that little village hut smiled-every one of them.  They asked questions, and we shared even more.  Before the meeting adjourned, the leader of the women's committee - the same lady who had been the first to welcome us a few days before - thanked us for coming to share this love with her village.  And then as she cupped her hands over her mouth in feigned embarrassment, she chuckled to all the other ladies and said:

"I've already been praying to this Jesus..."  

Perhaps God, in His infinite wisdom and in His sovereignty, would have revealed himself to the people of this Gurung village by some miracle or other supernatural revelation.  But it seems to me, that at least in this case, God's revelation to the people of this remote village came in the form of a few doctors, nurses, a COT and pharmacist.  They saw Jesus in the concern and care of a group of medical professionals whom they had never met prior to that week on top of the little hill at the foot of the Himalayas.  There is no doubt in my mind that the work of the HealthCare Ministries team played a vital role in opening wide the door for us to share the Gospel with the people of that village.  Because of their willingness to give of their time, resources, and medical skills, soon many more people in that village will be calling upon the name of Jesus.