Medical mission saving lives
12 Mar 2020
HIV impacts all facets of life, including physical, emotional, social and spiritual. As a medical student on elective in Kenya in 2002, I was touched by the story of Grace. She had contracted HIV, which became apparent to all when she developed shingles on her face. Fortunately, effective antiretroviral therapy was starting to be introduced, and with the financial support of her church, she commenced treatment. I was greatly encouraged to see Grace alive and well in 2010 when I, now accompanied by my wife, returned to Kenya to serve for several months.
As a Christian, I believe the good news of Christ’s coming and the ushering in of His Kingdom offers hope and redemption of all aspects of life. As Jesus said ‘The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may life and have it in abundance.’ (John 10:10). God has blessed each of us with unique gifts, talents, and passions with which we can serve Him and be a blessing to others.
In time, God’s calling over both my wife and I to serve as medical missionaries became clear. After completing my specialist training in Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine, as a family of five, we moved to North-Western Uganda to join the Pioneers Arua Team in 2018. Together, we endeavour to witness Christ in the way we live. We share God’s word in devotions, Bible studies, and preaching, while we practically attempt to demonstrate God’s love in caring for the poor and sick. We pray for God to work supernaturally to bring healing and draw people to Him for the glory of His name.
Practically, I use my training in the areas of system strengthening, teaching and service delivery. I work part-time at Kuluva Hospital, a church-run facility, where I care for patients on the medical ward and in the HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis clinic. There are many opportunities to teach, while I also seek to help facilitate system improvements in the areas of quality of care and infrastructure. This year, I commenced lecturing one day a week at a nearby institute that trains displaced healthcare students from South Sudan.
As Christians, we are to be salt and light in the communities where we live. At the same time, we are commanded in the Great Commission to ‘…make disciples of all nations…’. There are many challenges in providing medical services in a limited-resource setting. However, medicine can open doors to otherwise difficult to reach places where people are yet to hear the good news of Christ or have a taste of His Kingdom. Could God be calling you to either go or support sending someone in medical mission?
-Luke, a Pioneers worker serving in Uganda.
Is God calling you to serve in mission? Get in touch.