F e b r u a r y
2 0 1 0
VISION CHALLENGE : RESCUE THE PERISHING...CARE FOR THE DYING
Can YOU be available to care for the body and save the lost soul?
Medical missions have been reaching out to people with medicines for the body and the gospel for the soul for centuries. Christian medical professionals have been known for their exemplary service in the most remote parts of Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, South America, China and East Asia, Middle East and in other parts of the world. Few realize the mental and physical strain that such professionals have to go through. Work at medical missions requires every ounce of energy and dedication. Doctors have related that with every patient comes anxiety in the battle against disease and death. With limited resources such as equipment, hospital facilities and trained support staff at hand, often it is trust in God that rules over the principles of medicine. Their service requires them to travel to remote locations away from the family, face grave dangers, live in impoverished conditions and be exposed to diseases and sometimes even hostile communities. Yet there are several stories of Missionary Doctors and Nurses who through their profession have won several souls for the Kingdom of God. A dedicated and committed medical professional is a testimony to God’s love and provisions, that reaches out as much as sermons would, if not more. Missionary doctors have been known to bring about social change in the places where they have ministered. It is common to have mission hospitals attached to schools, counseling centers, orphanages and chapels. Pioneers such as Dr. David Livingstone and Dr. Albert Schweitzer campaigned hard against slavery and for
[1]
social reform in the former British colonies in central and southern Africa. Various women have come forward in medical missions as Doctors, Nurses, Midwives and Medical Assistants. Notably Ms. Edith Brown and Ms. Ida Scudder were actively involved in establishing the Christian Medical Mission hospitals and colleges at Ludhiana and Vellore in India. Christian medical mission hospitals have now a presence in every continent. The centers also cater to counseling drug addicts and alcoholics, caring for patients with leprosy, obstetric fistula, HIV and other diseases. Mission centers have been established in sensitive fields such as in the Middle East, which operate under great risk. In such countries the mission hospitals also provide rooms fo r t h e g a t h e r i n g o f b e l i e ve r s f r o m va r i o u s denominations. The medical profession is an opportunity for spreading the gospel. The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. As much as there are challenges, great is the reward awaiting the few who have come forward to use their knowledge, skills and experience in medicine for the extension of the Kingdom. The Vision Challenge for this month is to the many Christian Doctors, Nurses and Aides. Can you be available to care for the body and save the lost soul?
WORLD FACTS* : - I n 2 0 0 7, t h e r e w e r e a n estimated 9 million child deaths - Every year some 536 000 women die of complications during pregnancy or childbirth, 99% of them in developing countries - In 2006, an estimated 3300 million people were at risk of malaria - New estimates indicate that 2.7 million people were newly infected with HIV during - An estimated 1200 million people are affected by neglected tropical diseases, chronic disabling infections that thrive in conditions of impoverishment and weak health systems - Although nearly all developing countries publish an essential medicines list, the availability of medicines at public health facilities is often poor. - Almost 20% of all deaths are of children less than five years old. * Source - World Health Organization
MISSION CHALLENGE : AVAILABLE FOR GOD The Ministry of Dr. Michael Stathis and Mrs. Meryl Stathis For the month of February, we present our mission report on the ministry of Dr. Michael and Mrs. Meryl Stathis from Australia. Michael is a General Surgeon with over 40 years of experience. They have made their home in Brisbane, Australia and are active members of the Village Avenue Community Church (VACC). God has blessed them with three children who are now working adults.
Each mission trip comes with several challenges. Language is a common barrier in almost every trip. An interpreter is required to facilitate communication during the mission Michael and Meryl are engaged in trips. Security is another major medical missions. They have together concern particularly for the trips to gone on 16 trips covering 12 the Islamic nations. countries in South America, Middle East, East Asia and Africa. In each trip Michael undertakes various surgeries and trains the local staff. In We request your prayer support for addition, Michael has the opportunity Michael and Meryl as God uses of teaching and encouraging the them across the world for His believers from the word of God. glory. Please pray that Michael will Michael now 73, believes that these mission trips are a Ministry from the Lord. He is burdened to share the experience and impart the knowledge that he has gained from the many years of his professional career, to others. The trips provide Michael with a unique opportunity to meet with other Christian doctors and staff and
LAST MONTH’S ISSUE January 2010 - Uyghurs of Kazhakstan If you would like to obtain the previous issue of V2M or if you have friends who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, please let us know at vision2missionministry@gmail.com
understand and work with them in overcoming their problems and constraints. In the process, Michael and Meryl have the opportunity to show the faithfulness of God and assure the people they meet of His enduring promises.
Dr. Michael Stathis and Mrs. Meryl Stathis
We welcome your feedback.
[2]
be able to perform the surgeries and train the local staff effectively whilst encouraging local believers. Also, please commit Meryl into the Lord’s hands as she accompanies Michael on the trips and in ministering there. Their next trip is to Papua New Guinea for 2 months from the middle of February.