Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: …if service, in his serving; … he who gives, with liberality; … he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8
The India medical team wants to thank everyone for your continual prayers during this year’s trip. By God’s grace, we were able to stay healthy and minister the Lord’s mercy and grace to 1,560 people during a weeklong medical camp that we set up outside our permanent free medical clinic in Pune.
We have many stories about how the Lord ministered to each one of us, allowing us to be instruments of His grace. Most of our patients came from the nearby slums and villages. They are desperate for medical and dental care and so thankful for this free clinic. We diagnosed many with multiple health care issues like hypertension and diabetes.
Most had overwhelming dental needs, which was Chris’ station. “I have never been so deeply touched,’ Chris says, “not just by the pain of someone’s suffering, but by the love shown so brightly by our Lord in Pune. His hand could be felt guiding us in both service and prayer. “
One patient was so thankful to our team that he honored us with beautiful watercolor paintings at his home. Although he and his family are Hindu, we all prayed that the Lord would bless his home.
Painter with
As great as the people’s physical needs are, it was a privilege to pray for their eternal needs and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ (The Only Way!) to all who came through the prayer station. Many New Testaments were given out and seeds planted for the Kingdom of God. So many hungry souls requested prayer, and it was so wonderful to share the love of Jesus with them.
Praveen ministers to patient.
One Hindu man that we prayed with wanted a New Testament, but was unable to read the small print. We sent him over to Brother George’s reading glass station and he was able to read it clearly. Praise the Lord!
Another couple came to the prayer station with their children. Pastor Tony asked them if they had any problems. Immediately the wife said, “Yes! My husband smokes and drinks too much! He is not a good father to our children.” Tony expected the man to get mad and storm away, but instead he displayed a rather penitent spirit. Pray that they would both read the New Testament we gave them.
May they all come to the full knowledge of the truth!
We were blessed to have two medical doctors with us on our trip this year. Dr. Jen (Family & Women’s Health) and Dr. Viba (Pediatrics) ministered in their specialties. It was great to see them consulting with Dr. Swati, the full-time doctor at the Koinonia Medical Clinic.
Those of us who have been on these trips before noticed how all the doctors took a hands on approach to medicine. They didn’t just sit behind a desk; they were up and down, changing bandages, asking probing questions and actively ministering to people’s needs. At all the stations, our translators from the Koinonia School of Ministry did a wonderful job communicating back and forth across the language divide.
Chris says, “It is an experience I will never forget!! I believe that the Lord has shown me one way He intended for me to serve. What an honor!! Thank you, Jesus!”
Why don’t you join us on next year’s trip?
