A Short Encounter

This week I was able to make the transition from orientation to being on my own in the ward- what a great feeling. I feel much better since now I can get into my own routine with the patients. I am alternating between 8 and 12 hour shifts, with 5 pts on days and 10 on nights. We only have two ICU beds currently so I will be pulled if they need a peds ICU nurse. There are two girls that I have already been able to build a good friendship with- Sabena and Esi. Both act much younger than their age and seem to be very hungry for friendship and attention. The other day, Sabena asked me if I believed in God, and from there I shared with Sabena about the Lord, His love for her, the price that was paid on her behalf, and the salvation He offers. She has heard the Gospel message before, but is at the age where she is sorting through things in her mind. She stopped me mid sentence one time and said, " Jesus will make me new just like the doctors made my face new..." Yes, Sabena, that's right.

Then today, a pretty incredible story. I had the day off, and was able to go with my friend Steph out to Accra. On our way back to the dock, we were stopped by three people, two men and a very pretty young lady. They shared that they had flown all the way from Sierre Leone, because this young woman, "Kep", needed to see a Mercy Ships doctor. By this time, the Mercy Ships captain had also stopped and was able to help. When we asked what was wrong, Kep opened her mouth to reveal a large tumor that was obstructing much of her throat. When they handed us her x-rays and paper work, it revealed that her surgeon in S.L. believed the tumor to be malignant and told her to seek treatment elsewhere. Her condition was not responsive to any type of treatment he could provide. As events went on, our surgeons at Mercy Ships agreed to do an exam, and look at her x-rays. It is not known yet whether our team will be able to help her.
As Steph and I were waiting with them, we were able to ask more about their families and personal stories. They shared at length about their devotion to Islam, and their criticism of Christianity. We were able to talk with them for awhile, and then spent time praying with them for Kep and the medical team.
My conversation with them has stayed with me this afternoon. First, I was glad that our doctors were able to see her. I wasn't looking forward to turning them away after they had come so far. And it gave me a taste of what Liberia will be like when we do the screenings for our patients. Many we will have to turn away...
Then my mind goes back to our conversation about Jesus Christ. Please keep this family in prayer- for their physical and spiritual needs. Many here in West Africa believe in tolerance of both Christianity and Islam- in fact, some churches are forming that combine the two together. I felt very inadequate today as I shared with them and answered questions. But I hope that the Lord will use that brief meeting today in their search for the Truth.