Jan '10 Trip (Testimonies and update 2)

[Note: This is straight from the field email and usually has a lag time of a day or two.  I edit out some of the long parts and personal info. God is working in people's lives all over the World! Keep up the prayers.]

Medical Update: Since the opening of the camp on Wednesday afternoon, the team has seen at least 880 patients, 230 on the optical side and 650 on the medical side. The most common complaints have been muscular/skeletal pain, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems (mostly due to the way they cook over open fire inside their homes with no outlet for the smoke), optical issues, and women's health issues.


Spiritual Update: The team has had opportunity to pray with many of the patients, and 20 people have requested and received spiritual counseling after the clinics by the [local] pastors that are serving as translators.

Travel Update: So far, patients have travelled from 12 different [districts (which are like counties in the US)]. They treated one man yesterday that had walked for two days to receive treatment and expect that this travel time will only increase as the days pass during the camp.

Testimonies:
1. Dr. P treated an older lady with a huge knot on her knee. She could barely walk and had sever pain in the joint. He was able to drain the fluid, administer an injection and she walked out of the clinic pain free!

2. Dr. K treated a pregnant woman who had an infection in her uterus which was likely to end the pregnancy within a few weeks. She treated the infection and the lady should be able to complete a normal pregnancy!

3. Dr. K also treated a 28-day old baby with severe pneumonia. If untreated this would have almost certainly taken the baby's life within a week. The baby was treated and the mom was given medicine and instructions for caring for the baby. If the mother follows the instructions, the baby is likely to recover completely.

4. There was a [political situation] scheduled to begin on Sunday. We had been considering options for completing the camp, even the possibility of needing to end it Saturday and quickly bring the team [out of the area]. However, this morning the..... news indicated the [situation had resolved] and the camp can proceed as planned.

The team is doing great and none have had any major problems as of today. This is a miracle in itself since they have been eating village food for 4 days! Please continue to pray for health and strength.

Each morning they have an amazing view of [the remote mountain area] and it is a great backdrop for their prayer time. Thank the Lord for the majesty of His creation!

God is good! :o)