Finally I set off and go

When I was a student nurse, I admired the co-workers who went on medical mission trips, but I did not take any actions. Last year, my wife and I vividly saw an image of many people who were underserved and needed help. Therefore, we decided to overcome our fear to step onto the medical mission road. However, we did not know where to start; we could only pray for the guidance from Above.

 

We attended a 3-day conference in Pasadena in September. We were quite disappointed at first because there was a small audience. Many of them were missionaries, book writers, and organization leaders. Nevertheless, we had a lot of time to mingle with them and our discussion was very inspirational and interesting.

On the last day, we met a pediatrician who came back for a sabbatical from Yunnan, China. Per our conversation, he found out that our nursing expertise matched the needs of the EMAS South China team. Immediately he introduced us to the team leader via email. Thank you our faithful Lord…. He opened the first door for us.

On May 10, 2013, after months of preparation, I (Peter) finally boarded on the plane and headed to Yunnan, China.

Behind the new modern China

On May 12, Sunday afternoon, we landed at the brand new, modernized, beautiful KunmingCheungShiuInternationalAirport. This one-year old airport represents the fast pace development of China. Going into the city of Kunming with the medical team, we felt the pulse of a modernized metropolitan. Kunming is very different from my first visit 30 years ago: joyful and colorful commercial billboards replaced the dull and cold political slogans, high-rise buildings substituted the old brick houses, and motor bikes filled the streets instead of paddle bikes. The population is similar to many other big cities in China, increased threefold.

“Our Heavenly Father, please bless the people of China.

May Your name be lifted high in this city. Please fill the

 missionaries who bring the Gospel to this country.”

Although Kunming has developed into a modernized city, and the living standard has improved a lot over the recent years, there are migrants and villagers who are still living in poverty. Besides their poor living environment, they have very limited access to medical services and opportunities for education. This medical team showed the love of God and testified a living savior by providing surgical services to many burn survivors and patients with congenital deformity.

A ministry started with a pressure cooker

Twenty years ago, this medical team had only one surgeon, one anesthesiologist, and about 10 nurses. They came here to take care of the people and train the local doctors. Due to the limited financial support, they could only use a pressure cooker to sterilize the surgical instruments. Now, the team has over 70 trained personnel from all different professionals, including occupational, speech, and physical therapists. There are also pharmacists, accountants, IT specialists and other support staff. Each visiting team performs over 60 surgical procedures on patients with congenital deformity and burn survivors in order to improve their quality of life and give them hope.

This is a ministry that requires faith, submission, and loyalty. The team faces different challenges each time, but they also experience God’s presence and the work of the Almighty’s hands.

Amazing Providence from our Heavenly Father

In the midst of all chaos, God orchestrated the formation of the May 2013 team. First, He called 70 professionals from seven different countries. We all came from different cultures, spoke a different primary language, received different education and professional training, came from different churches and denominations, and walked in different stages of life ( from 18 year old college students to 70+ years old retirees). We had devotions and prayer together every morning; we ate every meal together; we worked together cohesively every day. During our leisure time, we went out and played together. There were experienced members and first timers. Although we did not know each other before the trip, we soon became friends. God linked us with one faith, one spirit, and one hope.

Second, God again provided adequate expertise for the team. A week before the application deadline, the team still wanted another surgeon and an IT professional. After a lot of prayers, God gave the team a pediatric surgeon specialized in reconstruction of cleft lip and cleft palate. With his specialty, we could take care of 30% more patients. God also led a brother with over 20 year IT experience to the team. It was full of surprises! The team praises His name, Yahweh-Jireh!

Not another day of work

You might ask why we continue working during our vacation. Shouldn’t we have gone to do something fun and relaxing? When I was talking to one of the doctors, he gave me a big vision. He said,”I have been coming here twice a year for over a decade without missing one time. Although I miss some vacation time and make less money, I really thank God that He can use my hands to serve Him by helping the poor sick people and improving their quality of life. I am not losing anything, but just investing myself to the eternal Kingdom. The awards that I will get in the future are much greater than I have given up.” The loyalty, submissive, and humbleness to our Lord make the day of work a day of worship with the presence of God.

The main goal of this team is to improve the quality of life and redevelop new skills for

survival, and to give the people a hope for a better life. We also testify that God is love by our actions. Although we cannot preach the Gospel verbally because of the laws and policies in China, the patients and families see our living testimonies and they feel the love. One of the parents told a teammate that she really believed that our God is a loving God. The seed of Gospel is now germinating in her. May the Spirit continue to soften her heart.

The team also works with the local nurses and hospital administrators. Years ago, the hospital staff was very uncooperative. After many years of dedicated work, the hospital staff started to understand and affirm the service the team provides. Now they are willingly partnering with the team to provide the services.

This is not a one man’s task and credit

Many people asked me where these patients come from. This is a very practical question.  Actually EMAS South China team is only a small part of the whole strategic plan. The team works with other organizations, such as Blessed China International (BCI).  There are many tentmakers devoted their lives to the unreached people groups. They refer patients to the team for treatment. To be successful, it needs a good relationship and cooperation among the organizations.

Surgical and medical service is always very expensive. The team members, besides volunteering their time, are also paying their own expenditure (air tickets, hotel room, meals, and local transportation).  The team has to raise fund for patient transportation, all the medical and surgical supplies, and medications, etc. The team pays the hospital a fee for using their operating room and wards. The average cost of treating each patient is about $700. The budget for 2014 is over $270.000. Year after year, God blesses the team with adequate fund without failing.

Last but not least, each team member has recruited a group of prayer worriers. This strong prayer network connects with the team from all over the world and forms a strong company in the spiritual war. May God’s love flow freely to the patients and families and also the local staff. May God bless all the prayer worriers abundantly.

The Challenges

Besides the financial challenges, the team also faces inadequate human resource, especially

expertise in operating room. By God’s grace, He also provides adequate workers. In addition, the team members are all willing to step out of their comfort zone. They boldly accept new challenges and humbly learn new skills.  Consequently, we support each other and provide the service with unity. Besides the medical and health professionals, the team also needs a lot of people who have unique gifts and talent. We pray that God send His workers to this frontline.

One of the hospitals is going to be demolished, and the new building may not be ready on time for the November team. As soon as we came home from Kunming, the core members have been searching diligently for another facility that can accommodate a full surgery schedule for 10 days. Otherwise, the team may only provide a 3-day schedule and treat less than 30 patients. We pray that God will open the door for us, and provide us adequate operating rooms and hospital beds.

This is a global movement that we are co-working with God. Pray that His vision be revealed and His kingdom be expanded. Are we willing to exercise our faith and totally submit to God?

博愛南中國醫療隊短宣之旅

終於出發了

在護士學校的時候，看見別人參與到泰北山區醫療宣教的事工，我心中也有點響往。可是，二十多年來，我都沒有作一點行動。到去年三月，在聖靈的感動下，內子與我決心要跨越個人的難阻，踏上醫療宣教之路。在戰戰競競的心情下，我倆求神為我們開路及引領。首先，我們先後參與兩個醫療差傳的講座。

在九月下旬，我們到南加州，參加了一個為期三日兩夜的醫療宣教研討會。因為參加的人數不多，並且多數都是一些回來述績的宣教士，我們初時有點失落。不過，研討會的內容極其豐富。因為人數少，所以我們能夠有很多機會與講員，機構的幹事，作者，及來自不同國家的宣教士交通及討論。在這個過程中，我們得益不小。

在最後一天，我們遇 見一位從昆明回來述績的美籍醫生。在傾談之中，他得悉我們在護理的專長正好可以配合EMAS南中國隊的需要。他就立刻介紹我們給該隊隊長認識。感謝神為我們開了第一扇門。經過幾個月來的準備，我終於在五月十曰出發了。

新中國的背後

五月十二日（星期日），當客机穿過雲層，昆明市在濛濛的細雨下顯現在我的眼前。幾分鐘後，我們就降落在昆明長水國際機場。這個啟用不足一年的機場就是中國現代化的表彰。跟隨著醫療隊，在進入市區時，更感受到時代的脈搏。看見這個現代的昆明，與三十年前的媒體記載的情景大不一樣。五光十色的廣告標板代替了三十年前的政治標語；到處都是高樓大廈，那些古舊的樓房已不見了；代步的電動「綿羊仔」擠滿了大街小巷，穿梭於汽車和行人之間；而腳踏車已寥寥可數，它們的蹤影也幾乎銷聲匿跡了；昆明市從三十年前的二百萬人口增加到六百多萬。

神啊求祢祝福我們祖國的同胞，和這個城市，願祢的名被高舉；求祢使用當中的宣教士，將福音帶到這地。

雖然昆明市在表面上現代化了和市民的生活似乎也改善了，很多的民工和村落裡的居民仍然生活在極貧窮之中。他們的生活仍待改善。除了居住的環境外，他們所得的醫療福利和子女的教育也很有限。這個醫療隊負起基督的愛心，竭力提供一年兩次，為期三週的醫療服務外，也希望藉著這些服務見證神的愛和憐憫。

從壓力煲開始的事工

其實這個醫療隊已有二十年的歷史。最初只有十多名成員，一名外科醫生，一名麻醉科醫生，和幾位護士。他們來到昆明的窮鄉僻壤，為當地的居民提供基本的醫療服務；並且訓練鄉間的醫生。據前輩們說，在二十年前，因為資金和資源不足，他們惟有用壓力煲消毒手術工具。時至今天，醫療隊已發展為七十多人的團隊。其中除了醫療專業人士外，也有藥劑師，資訊從業員，會計和其他的支援隊 員。每次為先天性缺陷的患者和燒傷的生還者提供五，六十個大小不同的手術，改善了他們的生活質素。

這條路是需要信心，順服和忠心走下去。醫療隊每次都面對不同的挑戰。藉着神的恩惠，核心的成員每次都經歷神同在和祂大能膀臂的作為。

神奇妙的帶領和供應

這次醫療隊的組成已經是一個神奇妙的策劃和安排，是一個神蹟。首先，衪招聚了七十多人，我們都來自不同的國家（一共七個國家），都有不同的文化背境，說不同的母語，受不同的專業訓練，來自不同的教會，活在不同的人生階段(從十八歲的大學生到七十多歲的退休人士）。我們每天早上在一起靈修及禱告，毎一餐都在一起，每天都在工作上共同合作，有空時也一同遊玩觀光。雖然當中有很多忠堅份子，但也有初次參與的人。那融洽的氣氛實在 令人陶醉。雖然在出發前從未見面，我們很快就成為朋友。這樣的組合，只有當神用衪的愛，將我們的心連在一起的時候，才成為可能。
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其次，神為醫療隊準備足夠的人手。在報名限期快到的時候，醫療隊仍然缺少一位外科醫生及一名資訊從業員。經過禱告，神不但供給我們的需要。祂更差來一位兔唇和顎裂的專家，來處理超過三成的病人。同時，祂也賜下一位從事資訊二十多年的弟兄。我們在驚喜之中，不忘讚歎神的恩惠。這不是神奇妙的作為嗎？

不是另一個工作天

有人或許會問，為何在假期中，也要這麼辛苦工作？為何不去遊山玩水，吃吃喝喝，來輕鬆一下呢？與隊中的一名醫生傾談時，使我的眼目視野擴闊了。他說：「十幾年來，我毎年來兩次，從來沒有停止過。雖然收入減少了和失去渡假的時間，但我感謝神因為父神用得著我的雙手，為這些在困境中的病人服務，及改善他們的生活質素。我現在是投資在永恆的國度裏，將來的回報比我的損失更大得多。」這個順服的信心就使他一天的工作再不是另一個工作天，而是一個與神同在，時刻敬拜的一天。

我們的醫療服務不但改善了病人的生活質素和基本技能，我們更給了他們一個希望和一個更新的生活。不但如此，縱使我們不能用口傳福音，我們因為信和望的動力，用行動見證着神的愛。病人及他們的親屬是看見這些活生生的見證。有病人家屬對一位隊中姊妹表示對我們的工作感到安慰，他更說我們的神是一位充滿愛的神。這粒福音的種籽已經萌芽了。願聖靈在他心中繼續工作。

我們不但在手術室和病房裏接觸病人，也與院方的護士和工作人員接觸。據前輩們說，院方的工作人員最初都用不理不釆的態度與醫療隊劃清界線。可是經過年日的默默耕耘，現在他們，特别是護士長們，對我們的工作也已經認同了，完全樂意協助和供給我們的需要。

除此之外，隊長和核心成員也要接觸一些院方的高層和政府的幹部。在接觸其間，曾經有人私下與其中的隊員詢問有關基督的事情。福音的種籽就因此而直接及間接撒開了。誰能擋得住聖靈的工作呢？

不是一隊人的工作和成就

很多人都問我一個很實際的問題：從何處得到這麼多的病人？EMAS南中國醫療隊只是整個行動中的一個部份。另外還有其他的組織（例如BCI Bless China International) 差派了很多醫生和護理人員，他們都分佈在中國各地。他們將一些病人和先天性殘疾的送到昆明接受治療。當中需要組織與組織之間緊密的合作和亙相配合才能成事。

另一個是錢的問題。隊員都是自願和義務的，他們也要負責自己的一切支出（机票，酒店，三餐，及交通費等等）。但病人的一些交通費，藥物，及其他的醫療物資都需要資金購買的。加上醫療隊在當地的醫院工作是要向院方繳交一些費用。治療一個病人所需的費用估計大約在七百美元左右。所以每次都要籌募相當巨大的經費。沒有神的掌管，缺乏人的參與，醫療隊絕對不能成行。

更重要的，每一個隊員都有親朋戚友在世界各地為醫療隊禱告。這個連鎖的禱告網絡與隊員的心連在一起，成為屬靈爭戰的鞏固陣營，將神的愛顯明出來。願神記念這些禱告的勇士的忠心。

面對的挑戰

除經費外，醫療隊每年都面對人手不足的問題，特別是手術室護士及支援隊員。但感謝神，衪每次都供給需要的基本人手。再加上弟兄姊妹願意踏出自己的安逸區，離開日常熟悉的工作環境，接受挑戰及謙卑學習，暫時作為緩衝及支援其他工作崗位。醫療隊不但需要專業的人才，更需要各樣恩賜的人。願那差派的主差派衪的僕人。

醫療隊已為十一月份的行程開始了籌備的工作。因為其中一間醫院將會拆遷，而新院未必一定能夠在預期內建成；所以要尋覓別的地方。否則，醫療隊只能提供三天手術的服務，而得到治理的病人可能少於三十人。求神開路，提供另一個適合的醫院及手術室，讓這醫療隊繼續這個事工。
這是一條與神同工的路。人是要有順服和恆切的心將生命擺上，用信心走上去。我們願意嗎 ？
願神的心意彰顯，祂的國得擴張。阿們。

 

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