The Importance of Willingness

Not long ago, after we retired someone asked me: how does one in ministry finish well? My answer: Be willing! Be willing in ministry and be willing in retirement, ministry does not stop. Last week we were looking forward to have our Pastoral Care course in Momo when we became aware of the continued health problems of John and Grace’s 2 week old baby, they both attend the course. When we saw the child it was obvious that he needed immediate care. Nothing to do but skip the course and take them to the hospital at Tuden Magagia 2 1/2 hrs away. We arrived at the hospital but they did not do what we thought needed to be done; hospitalize the child, administer fluids, and treat Grace to increase her breast milk. What they got was multivites, we suspect they did not give this very sick child much chance of recovery. What to do? Take them home to Maratu? Give them travel money to get home? We decided that we would invite them to come to Mahula with us and do what we could for this child. Gremar and Grace worked hard for three days; Similac spoon fed, antibiotics by mouth, children’s motrin and antimalarias. Gremar was able to get medication from Laura to increase Grace’s milk flow. The baby continued to have a fever but he was starting to nurse a little. Things were touch and go for a while but by Friday he was starting to turn the corner. John and I looked for medication and we were able to get a vial of antibiotics, needles and syringes because his temperature was still higher than normal. We brought them home on Saturday and the local health worker continued with treatment. We thank God, Habila is still improving everyday and we thank God for the opportunity to serve him in this very important way. God is good all of the time!

John and Grace's newborn recovering from malaria and malnourishment
We thank God with them
With God's help John and Grace were able to return home with a healty child

One thought on “The Importance of Willingness

  1. Another thought provoking entry in your blog. How exciting to help nurture a baby back to life and to bring spiritual and physical help for these people. Thanks for going back to Nigeria, for sharing your experiences with us on the blog, but even more thanks for sharing in Laura, Matthew and David’s lives and work. Your being there was a GREAT encouragement to them. They looked so forward to your coming and it appears to me that it was everything they had hoped for. I know how missionary relationships can go, either horribly or wonderfully, and they have reported of the real blessings it was to have you there. I’m sure you are already joining with us in prayer for their readjustment to isolation. Thanks for being such an invaluble resourch for them and for helping them though malaria recently. It looks like God spared them that experience until you were there to help. When you travel back to WA, please schedule in a stop to see us!!

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