Close to the End

As my time draws near in delivering dental care to the people of Sierra Leone, I continue to see things differently.  I feel like everything I read takes on a new meaning.  Dealing with so many different elements in Sierra Leone, I been expose to so many experiences that I would never have been expose to, and probably never again in the future.  Living here, made me realized how much I miss my family and friends dearly, something we all take for granted.

 I was recently reading about the average time that Americans watch TV: 4-5 hours a day.  In fact, there are more TVs in the average household then there are people.  There is nothing wrong watching TV, however, how can we waste so much time and not look for ways to make a difference in other people lives?  I love it how the locals in Sierra Leone are very engaging and touchy (something I had to get use to).  They seem to be more connected to each other than the people in America. 

Taking some pictures from Mercy Ship, I hope this verse becomes alive to you as we are to follow Christ’s example.  We are to help each other, give hope to people, show Christ's love to others; what life is all about.

Matthew 15:31 “The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised God of Israel.”

Helping those who are rejected by the world:

> Maxillo-Facial surgeries for people with deforming face and neck tumors

> Plastic surgeries to rebuild faces, arms or hands due to burns or disease.

 

Helping the Blind to See through eye surgery:

> 20 minute cataract surgeries allow blind to see

 

Helping the Mute to Speak:

> Repair cleft lips and palates - 4th most common birth defect

> Basic dental care and surgeries

 

 

Helping the Lame to Walk:

 > Orthopedic surgeries on legs and feet give people mobility

Pictures Update!

The streets can be dirty at times (well, all of the time).

People waiting in line for the dental clinic.  We see new patients every Monday and Thursday's morning.  We have desperate patients camp out Friday night to get a good spot in line to be seen on Monday.

My translator :)

Watching out for falling objects at the dental clinic...

Starting to feel like a local

As my time staying in Sierra Leone passes by, I am starting to feel more like a local of Sierra Leone.  During my first several weeks living in Sierra Leone, I am taken back by the culture and everyone's daily lives.  As time progress, I felt more comfortable walking on the streets and talking to everyone.  I felt I have adapted to the weather, even though it can be hot at times.  I continue to deal with bronchitis, diarrhea, and fatigue.  However, the dental care I continue to bring to desperate patients and seeing their gratitude makes it all worth while.  Attempting to live a true Christian's life isn’t easy, whoever said it was, is a liar.  No matter what happens around me or what I am dealing with, I can trust in God knowing in the end He has what is best for me and all things will be set right.  I don’t think I can view what we, the majority of Americans, call "Christianity" as the true concept of what Jesus has taught us in the bible.  How can we justify our actions to be wealthy, when we know that people are starving and need basic medical care that would prevent death?  I just want to cringe when I hear pastors and Christians state that God has "bless" them because they have more faith or gave 10% to church.  I get so tired of Christians saying the reason God bless them, is to bless other people, in order to justify their accumulation of wealth and lavish possessions, where instead we are to be content with whatever we have.  Whenever I go to church and hear testimonies, I rarely hear how God has use them to help other people, instead, I hear God bless them w/ discounts at shopping malls or they won a new car.  I am always weary when a church focuses more on themselves instead of reaching out in helping other people.  I truly believe God will take care of us, when we think about other people.  Do Christians, or people that call themselves Christian, truly understand what is means when Luke 17:33 states "Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it" or

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12 NIV or

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” Matthew 5:10 (MSG)  or

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” 2 Cor. 12:9 – 10   or

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” John 15:18-20 NIV
 or
“Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:7

Despite the hardships we might face as Christians, we should remind ourselves the promises God as given us, even though we might face pain and sufferings for a mere nanosecond compare to eternity in bliss.  God is more concern about our spiritual eternal life than our short current physical life on earth. 

Warning: you wont hear these scriptures in most American churches...

Hebrews 11:35-40 "Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.  They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated--
the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."

The locals love American music!