An Answer to Prayer, a Moment of Pride

A dirt road snakes up the hillside into their village—but 10 years ago, no drivable road led in or out. The residents themselves eventually cut down trees and smoothed a dirt road so vehicles could enter the hamlet, but it still took about two hours to drive to the nearest medical facility, aside from a clinic open only once a month.

As a result, most people in the village suffered without adequate help when they were sick. They often consulted witch doctors or shamans. The believers in Pastor Damir’s congregation didn’t turn to shamans—they trusted in Christ, the Great Physician—but health complications still hindered their ability to live the full, productive lives they wanted.

Garrin, a father of two, suffered from low blood pressure that sometimes caused weakness and dizziness, limiting his ability to work in the fields and provide for his family. Pura, a mother of two daughters and a son, had struggled with high blood pressure and high blood sugar for years. The weakness, tingling and heart palpitations she occasionally faced made it difficult for her to cook, clean and do other household chores. Neri, who also had two daughters and a son, suffered eye pain that at times prevented him from working and providing for his family.

Despite their challenges, the believers had hope in Christ, and they prayed He would do something to relieve their community’s hardships.

Pastor Damir also knew God could provide an opportunity through GFA’s medical ministry. After sharing the village’s need with his regional leaders, one leader visited, assessed the situation and considered what they could do.

Soon after, Pastor Damir announced exciting news to the congregation: The regional office was going to help them host a medical camp in a few days, February 7.

Pura knew this opportunity was an answer to prayer, and she went to work. She visited the marketplace and walked around inviting the other villagers to come receive free check-ups at the medical camp. But inside, Pura wondered how many would show up; Pastor Damir had guessed perhaps 50 or 60 would come. Then the day of the camp arrived.

As Pura walked up to the camp, her concerns dissipated: A crowd of children, middle-aged adults and elderly people stood in line waiting for the camp to start. Garrin brought an elderly friend to the camp and spotted neighbors in line. Staff and volunteers spoke to the attendees and scribbled down names.

Then, as the camp started, Pastor Damir said a prayer, consecrating the event to the Lord.

Pura, Garrin and Neri watched medical staff and volunteers lift people’s arms to measure blood pressure, patiently explain directions for taking medicine and scrawl down instructions so people wouldn’t forget. The staff and volunteers’ caring, friendly demeanor, especially to elderly people, impressed attendees and onlookers.

“When I saw the staff there, they were very active and very well-presented,” said Garrin. “They spoke very politely. I was really impressed by the way they handled every single individual there.”

“I was very happy to see the staff, the nurses, the doctor,” said Neri, “Everybody there in the free medical camp was very polite and very friendly.”

. . . this is one of the very practical ways to express Christ’s love to people.

After taking his elderly friend home, Garrin saw the doctor himself. He received medicine to help regulate his blood pressure. He also received vitamins and eyedrops to alleviate eye irritation.

A doctor assessed Pura’s hypertension and high blood sugar and encouraged her to continue the medication she’d already been taking. She also received an ointment for her skin rash and some free sanitary pads for herself and her daughters.

After his visit with a doctor, Neri went home with eyedrops to soothe the irritation—and perhaps with hope that this problem would no longer hamper his ability to work.

“I feel lesser irritation in my eyes,” he said. “Besides the eyedrops and medicines, the doctor had given me some other medicines like deworming medicines, some ointments for skin [and] there were some ointments for pain relief. I do believe in the days to come … these medicines are going to help me, and I will feel better.”

As Garrin, Pura and Neri received free medical treatment and advice that would help them provide for their families, they rejoiced that so many other people were getting the same chance. Pura walked around asking people what they thought of the free medical camp.

“People gave a very positive and encouraging response,” she later recounted. “They said that they didn’t know that the church is even serving people this way. We have heard about people only singing and people who talk about Jesus. But then this is one of the very practical ways to express Christ’s love to people. I was very happy to hear the villagers [say] that.”

When all was said and done, more than 100 people received medical care—care that could not only help each person thrive but also help their families and communities. It filled Pura, Garrin and Neri with gratitude that God had used their church to show His love to their community, bringing health and wholeness.

“When this free medical camp was done, it was a moment of pride, joy and happiness to see that the church cares for everyone in the village,” Pura said. “It’s not only verbally we are expressing the love of Christ, but also through conducting this free medical camp, we are able to serve the people and tell them that this is what Jesus would do if He were here.”

Through GFA medical camps, people in remote and impoverished communities are receiving care, treatment and general health knowledge that can help them not just survive but flourish. In some cases, it might even prevent them from severe illness that would require a trek to the hospital, which they may not be able to reach in time. These camps are showing people that God cares about them. Neri wants to thank all who have made camps like these possible:

“I want them to know that we are well aware of their contribution and their role. … I pray that the Lord will bless you and multiply all your resources so that you will again become a chain of blessings to others, to people who are underprivileged, people who have no other choices and options when it comes to medical facilities, education and other basics.”

You can join with GFA to provide medical care to communities where people are suffering without care. By giving toward medical camps, you can help GFA missionaries partner with local medical personnel to bring hope and healing to communities in Christ’s name.