I like a calendar. I like to plan. On my calendar in November 2023 was written the “Opening of Medical Clinic”. The medical clinic had been discussed for years and we were anticipating finally opening this clinic to serve our community. We had worked hard to have the construction completed and the clinic ready for the patients.
In October 2023, everything on my calendar seemed to fall by the wayside as I struggled to navigate life.
At the end of October 2023, I received a text asking if the clinic would open the following week as scheduled. No one would have blamed me for postponing the opening of the clinic. Practically speaking it would have made sense to wait several months before even thinking about opening it. But something inside of me became angry at the thought of allowing Satan to have such an easy victory in our ministry. I thought about how many people would not receive basic medical care. I thought about the many times we would miss the opportunity to share about Jesus through a simple doctor visit. We believe in meeting the physical needs so we can meet the spiritual needs. The thought of Satan having the victory by not opening the doors seemed ridiculous.
My personality can be a bit much. I can be feisty. I can be stubborn. And yet all of my feistiness and stubbornness came to the surface as I refused to allow Satan to have the victory in this specific area. There was only one option—Open the clinic!
So we opened the medical clinic in November 2023. I was in the United States but the nurses, Cori and Shadya, opened the doors ready to receive patients. There was no grand celebration. Simply opening the doors while trusting God to send the people to us.
By my own admission, I know very little about medical things. I have no interest in learning about medicine. Do I want to learn how to spell or pronounce all of the medical terms and names of medicines? No! However, God has a great sense of humor. For the following 18 months, we have worked diligently to work out the kinks in daily operations, find the best resources, establish protocols, etc. at the medical clinic.
In 2025 we hired one compassionate doctor to serve at Grace clinic. She has a huge heart for the people in her country. She understands the need to meet the physical and spiritual needs.
How many patients did we serve in 2023? 350
How many patients did we serve in 2024? 1858
A few weeks ago, I smiled as the medical staff sent me the numbers for the first quarter in 2025.
572 Patients at the Clinic!
14 Patients Accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior!
I am grateful the Lord has the victory!
May there be many more people who come for medicine and leave knowing Jesus!
Shining Light Abroad Ministries 