Our first day of clinic began with a devotional from Dr. Bob Tillotson. Bob encouraged us by affirming our different giftings and charged us to continue writing our testimony during the clinic. He explained that our story doesn’t stop the moment we begin a relationship with Christ, rather we continue the script through the daily lives we lead.
With that, we spent time in worship through song and loaded the bus for Condevilla. We’ve been using our “bus time” to connect with other team members and gear up for the day ahead.
As we pulled into the clinic area, it was AHOD time…all hands on deck! In 30 minutes we managed to set up enough of the clinic for patients to begin trickling in. Within an hour, Peruvians were packed into the tent and forming lines throughout the space.
As expected, there were a few glitches in the first day’s routine. Despite minor setbacks, we served 363 people- the most ever on the first day of clinic! Here are a few notes from the different areas of the clinic:
Optical: Served so many people that they needed to be split into two groups because there wasn’t enough space! Angie did a great job organizing people, equipment and glasses.
Pharmacy: Handled the pressures of many orders at one time with patience and grace. With only one pharmacist and a handful of pharmacists-in-training, this team distributed the much-desired medicine to our patients.
Dental: Gerry and Bret quickly revamped their set up when the generator stopped working about 5 minutes into the clinic. Though they expected many extractions, most Peruvians wanted fillings.
Photo: Pam and Jaz worked tirelessly to take and print family photos. Most people do not have a family portrait in Peru and this picture becomes a treasured family item. Despite a broken printer, these ladies pressed on to put a smile on many faces.
Medical: The highlight of the day was by far the story from the Russells. While Chris was administering care to a woman who had come for knee pain, it was discovered that she was very depressed and suicidal. After realizing that this woman needed more than physical healing, Chris, Jennie and their translator spent time in prayer with this woman. This spiritual intervention was exactly what she needed and a divine appointment from God. Those witnessing the power of this event were just as much affected as the woman herself. This is why we’re here, for people to experience life change through Christ!
The day was completed with a dinner at Norky’s, a local restaurant chain. Exhausted yet encouraged by the first day at clinic, we returned to the hotel for a sweet time of worship in the Upper Room. Celebrations and planning followed. Bring on day 2 of the clinic!
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PRAYER REQUESTS:
*We are exhausted! Many of us are running on 4-5 hours of sleep and working long, hard days in the sun. Please pray for energy during the day and rest during the night.
*Pray for the spiritual clinic. Changes are being made in the format for Tuesday but pray this portion of the clinic would clearly communicate the Gospel of Christ.
*Please pray for the logistics of the clinic- the set up, the personnel, the effectiveness, etc. We will be making changes for day 2 in order to serve everyone who enters our doors with the best quality of care possible.
Thank you for your prayers! We’re feeling them here…
gotta love Norky's! Thanks for the updates... they are delightful to read and provide dialogue for my prayer time :o) keep pressing on team!
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