New Friends (Pt 3)

One exciting experience has been working with the national believers in clinic. One of the physician’s assistant is also a pastor at a local church. Pastor Gaglo has been at the hospital since its conception. He started working as a mason when the hospital was built. He later became a believer and started helping out with the clinic. Because of his hard work, he later became a translator. Then, in 1996-2000, he was trained as a physician assistant at the hospital. One of the missionaries said that he is one of the best PAs at the hospital and also a very godly man. “I’ve learned a lot from him – some medical and much spiritual” this missionary related. Several years ago, he began serving as a pastor and hopes to gradually work less as a PA so he can focus more on his church ministry.

Another hospital worker is the translator Aquele. Not only does she help translate for me in clinic, but she has a passion for evangelism. Many times, I have asked her to see if a patient is a believer, and she is quickly sharing the gospel with them. One patient we saw has bad liver disease, and likely will not live very long. However, after hearing Aquele’s witness, he asked if he could pray to receive Christ. How exciting to know that even though this young man’s physical outlook is grim, he has received eternal life. What a blessing to be there for that prayer and know that while I cannot speak the language, I can be a part of God’s plan to reach the people of Togo. It reminds me of I Cor 12…that we are all part of the body and each has its own unique part in extending the kingdom of God.

Finally, we have had the pleasure of meeting many short term missionaries like ourselves serving at the hospital. One couple, Josh and Beth are here for a rotation as part of Josh's surgical residency. Beth is a pediatric nurse like Lisa. They both desire to serve in missions. At the missionary church service, the just shared how during this trip they have felt God's calling to serve at a new hospital being started in northern Togo at the city of Mango. Their passion for missions is infectious, and it is exciting to see God's leading in their lives. Another medical student, Jeff, is also doing a rotation like I am. His passion for missions can also be seen, whether through his recounting growing up in Paraguay as a missionary kid or talking of his desire to pursue medical missions in the future.

In all of the relationships, we have been challenged be the desire we see in others to honor God through their lives. We have been encouraged by their friendship and hope that we can be a blessing to them. I hope hearing these snapshots of the friends we are making can also challenge you who are keeping up with our blog as they have us. Living for Christ requires sacrifice, but the joy given in return far outweighs anything given up. We are seeing others daily learn to live this out, and I pray that we all grow in our service for Him.