Nursing and Missions, Part 4
By Muriel Joyce Arnold, former State Women’s Ministries President
Philippians 4:17, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
At the onset, I had looked at the completed building, but had no furniture. There were just walls while the instruments were packed up in suitcases. My husband and I took paper and pencil and drew what we needed immediately, such as: trolleys, operating table, stirrups, bowl holders and kick-abouts, stretchers, screens, beds with bed-rests and foot lifts, desks, benches, examination couches, delivery cots, curtains and bed linens. I made the curtains, screen covers and bed linens, and gave the order for the other items to a native bed maker in the village.
He had never seen these before, so we guided him. He did a good job which earned him a business, making hospital appliances and delivering them to hospitals and clinics in West Africa. He has since set up a company where he has over thirty employees. In addition to this, the clinic has grown having its own maternity wing, X-ray unit, a proper operating table, a laboratory, these made possible through World Missions and the Department of Women’s Ministries. I look back at where the Lord brought us from with the Uduakabasi Clinic, and cry “Ebenezer!”
The needy countries are crying out for our help in fighting diseases while we preach the gospel to them. More and more we know that the gospel is not one-sided, but it is good news, bringing salvation for the soul and healing for the body. Isaiah used the lump of figs on King Hezekiah’s carbuncle. Jesus mixed mud and placed it on the blind man’s eye. Naaman went through a washing process. Elisha poured salt in the spring head and healed the waters that the people of Jericho could have pure wholesome water to drink and not die from pollution.
As a nurse I often used the opportunity to point people to Christ when they faced their final hours on earth. To those who had hope, I would offer strength and comfort. To those who knew Him not, I would point them to Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life. What joy would fill my heart as I listened to them praying for pardon from sin, often with tears, and thanking God for His forgiveness. There is nothing greater in all the world than to see a sinner come home to Christ. Then their eyelids close with a peace that words cannot aptly express.
Prayer:
Lord, I praise You for Who You are – so full of love, compassion, forgiveness, and hope. You are incomparable. We worship You for who You are. You make provision for us through Your Word and through the things You made for our well-being. Help us to appreciate all that You have done, and to rejoice in the victories You give. Amen.
