Here's Carol Doster

Day Three of introductions to the team members traveling to Sierra Leone in two weeks . . . get to know Carol Doster, my good friend and soon-to-be "roomie."  In the past few years, I have grown to love Carol who is so full of life, a little zany (or maybe, mucho zany), a wild and crazy dresser, and talented beyond belief.  Today, you get to see a side of her that goes way beyond this description. Please pray for Carol today as you read a few verses from her favorite book in the Bible, Proverbs.  She loves that book because it offers instruction on how to live. Here's Carol. 

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"In years past I have been asked why I go to Africa.  Some people follow

up that statement with, "there are lots of people here that need help".  Yes, I realize that many Americans are hungry and have medical needs.  And I do help with volunteer work in Paris, then Henry County, and then other states, and finally out of the country.  But ever since Dr. Debi Selby has been making the medical mission trip to Sierra Leone, I feel the money is worth it.  There are probably only 4 medical doctors in all of Sierra Leone.  Children are very, very low on the 'important' list for receiving medical attention.  So many have burns from playing around the fire the Mother has prepared in order to do her cooking.  That's just one example of the medical ailments we see while in country.  The mission trip teaches me to be humble--to enjoy the smallest of things in life and how easily I am able to sustain life.

As a kid when I didn't eat all my food, Mom would sometimes say "There are starving children in Ethiopia."  I'd think, "Well, send 'em this food."  But to see the hunger, not just for food, it changed me.

I had always wanted to leave America.  Not permanently, just wanted to go somewhere else.  I never thought of a mission trip, but God had plans.  When Joe Geary asked me in 2003 if I'd be interested in going to Sierra Leone, Africa, I said 'yes' very fast.  I remember him suggesting I go home and talk to Kenny about it first! 

This will be my sixth trip.  On previous trips, I have been on the construction part of the team and a farm worker as Craig Harris's assistant.  But I feel most useful being part of the medical team. Sierra Leone, here I come."

Carol

Meet Team Member Debbie Jelks

Today, I introduce another member of our Paris, TN team, Debbie Jelks.  She grew up in Paris and after college returned to Paris to live and work.  She married a Parisian and has raised her three sons here.  She is a physical therapist and has worked with numerous children and adults in the community. Currently, she serves as the Rehabilitation Services Director for the Henry County Medical Center.  Please remember Debbie in your prayers today. Her favorite Bible verse, Matthew 25:40 is included in today's scripture reading.  Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40).  After reading Debbie's statement that follows, I am sure you will see why I am excited that she is part of our team.      

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"I vividly remember Debi Selby calling this past fall and asking me if I wanted to go back to Sierra Leone in March 2014.  I couldn’t say ‘yes!’ fast enough!   This will be my second time to go with Debi and I have been to Dakar, Senegal on a medical mission trip as well.  Many people like to say there is no reason to go "out of country" as there is plenty to do in our own country -- and there are many people called to do "in country" missions.  I quickly remind these same people that God has children all OVER the world and we are to take care of them as well.  Plus, I have felt the call to go further,  to reach around the world to help God’s children--to be His hands, His feet, His voice and to show His love to those who, only for the Grace of God, could be me and my family.

The people of Africa are so “hungry” for what we have and I’m not just talking about the medicines and other items we bring.  On my first trip to Sierra Leone, I noticed the people wanting to look in my eyes and sometimes even touch my  face.   Initially, I didn’t understand why or what that meant – if anything.  Then I realized--they can see Christ working in us as we provide healthcare,  hand out the appropriate medicine,  love on the children,  smile and compliment the mothers on what a great job they are doing with their babies.  Oh how the mothers' faces light up when you tell them “beautiful baby”.  They see the light of Christ we carry with us.

If one person can comprehend God’s love for them, feel that they are important while in this earthly existence, and that the best is yet to come, then the entire trip is worth it to me! My purpose during the clinic is “multiple”/as needed.  I will work in the pharmacy and provide wound care which is a common issue due to burns, as fire is used for everything – cooking, some of the ways they dye their clothing, etc.  In addition, there are children with developmental issues and I will give the families simple exercises to do. 

It is an amazing blessing to be part of this incredible team and I am grateful that I have been called to go.  Please pray fervently for our trip and that we can provide for the people of Sierra Leone exactly what God is calling us to do."

Sincerely,

Debbie Jelks

Pediatrician Debi Selby Makes Her 4th Trip to Sierra Leone

Today, I begin introducing the individual team members who will be going to Sierra Leone on March 13.  Since this is a pediatric medical mission, it seems only fitting to begin with our pediatrician,  Dr. Debi Selby.  For those of you following the 30-day prayer calendar, you will note that I asked you to pray for her today.  Her favorite Bible verse with respect to this mission--John 14:27--is one of the scriptures for today.  Meet Dr. Debi . . .

A Child Dr. Debi Treated in One Clinic

      Dr. Debi Teaching Midwives How to Resuscitate Infants

"As I am preparing for my fourth medical mission trip to Sierra Leone, many thoughts pass through my mind, each bringing with it a series of emotions.  The people are so regal, even in their seeming (to us) poverty.  They are a proud people, trying their best with the little they have.  They do not fret over what they do not have, nor do they waste time wishing they had "more".

Many are in dire need of medical care that our team can provide, if only for a short time.  I focus on teaching midwives how to resuscitate newborns and on the children because they are the future of the nation  Every sick, hurting child I can help is a blessing to me and my wish and my hope is that as I touch their bodies and help them heal, God's love shows in me. Although there is a language barrier, I have experienced the love of Christ as I touch these beautiful people and feel they experience the same.

As I work in clinic, I want the service I provide to be not only a physical help but also a spiritual experience for both me and the families I serve. If I can offer hope and love to these people, the trip will have been a success and the Gospel of Christ will shine through our team by our actions.  We practice daily Bible study at breakfast to set our minds in the right "place" before we start our labors for the day. Pray for us that we maintain a loving attitude to each person we come into contact with during our trip that even as we interact with drivers, money changers, airport personnel and others we put forth the love of Christ as he instructed us."                                                

Debi

Waiting Room at One Clinic

Jusufu & Evelyn Tommy Prepare the Way for Us

Jusufu Tommy

Evelyn Tommy

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead, cultural anthropologist).  Anyone who knows me well or who worked with me at Murray State University for any length of time knows that this is my favorite quote.  It was posted everywhere in the Center where I served as Director and it was heard in every speech and presentation I gave. Furthermore, it served as the foundation and guiding force for every program and project we planned.  In addition, if you spend any time in my home, you will find this quote displayed in several places--painted on a brick, embroidered on a quilt, and printed on a picture hanging on the wall.  It gives me inspiration, energy, and hope for a better tomorrow.  

As I think ahead to the upcoming trip, I KNOW that every member of this volunteer mission team is committed to the work that lies ahead.  When I reference our "team", I am not just referring to the eight members from the U.S.  I am also including the individuals in Sierra Leone who I have not yet met but KNOW are preparing for our arrival and work.  If you are participating in the 30 days of prayer for this mission, you know that yesterday, I asked you to pray for Jusufu and Evelyn Tommy. I already feel connected to these individuals even before meeting them in person.  They are a vital part of our team.  When I asked Robert Hill to tell me more about the Sierra Leone volunteers who are working closely with us, he told me, "If we (i.e., the U.S. team members) are the "engine" of this mission, they are the "transmission."  I love that analogy for it reminds me that without their commitment to this endeavor, we would fail.  He described Jusufu as a man who is passionate about the well-being of his people.  He is loving and forgiving. He and Evelyn are giving of their time to work diligently to lay the groundwork for successful clinics.  They are also making travel and lodging arrangements for us.  Please keep them in your prayers.

Finally, while I love the Margaret Mead quote that inspires, motivates, and "drives" my work, I recognize that on this journey, we need more than our small group of thoughtful, committed people. Afterall, we are just human beings and we will grow tired and weary and likely, overwhelmed with the needs and our inability to respond to all of them.  I am thankful to one of my team members, Tonya Nash, who provided me with a scripture that renews my spirit and offers hope and peace.   In Luke 18:27, Jesus says, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."  

Brothers in Christ - Jusufu & Robert Hill

My Thoughts Regarding Shoes

I love shoes. Yes, I admit it. I have a thing for shoes.  Not expensive shoes--no way.  But give me a few dollars and a big discount shoes store and I'm a "girl gone wild."  Please just take my word for it and don't ask my husband about my "addiction."  He always loves to tell this ridiculous story about how he once placed a wager with me that I had more than 75 pairs of shoes.  I laughed and said there was no way he would win that bet.  Suffice it to say... I lost but I refuse to admit how many pairs I counted.  It's downright embarrassing.  I WILL admit that I have 7 pairs of black shoes (and that doesn't count boots, sandals, and flip flops. Why would any rational human being need that many pairs of the same color shoe?  Truth is . . . I don't.  Truth is...I'm also not proud of my obsession but until a few weeks ago, it really hasn't bothered me much.

In response to my request for pictures from previous trips to Sierra Leone to show my grandchildren, Robert Hill sent me one picture that I am sure God had a hand in choosing.  Can you guess what the picture was?  It was a picture of just feet -- those of several children wearing flip flops that had been given to them--their one pair of shoes.  They had NO SHOES to wear before.  They were so thankful to have one pair of shoes.  I cannot get that image out of my mind.  One pair of shoes as compared to my 75+.  Wow!  I haven't even left the comforts of my home, I haven't set foot in this third world country, and already this mission trip is affecting me in profound ways.  I cannot fathom how I will walk in this world once I have been to Sierra Leone.   Will I be able to keep those 75+ pairs of shoes in my closet after I have walked with God's children who long for and are happy with just one pair?  How will I feel when I return to my beautiful home?  I have no idea but promise to share as I am able to find the words.

 

Here I Am. Send Me

Often I am amazed at how quickly time passes.  It seems like it was just a short time ago when I mentioned to Carol Doster that "going on a mission trip" was on my "bucket list." For those of you who do not know Carol, you are missing something special.  She is one of the "movers" and "shakers" in this world.  She has been to Sierra Leone multiple times and I shared my wish with the right person--she was on board immediately.  Next we talked to Dr. Debi Selby, who has given so much to the people of Sierra Leone in the past.  We needed her and it didn't take much to convince her...Robert Hill just had to agree to be our team leader.  He readily agreed and before long, we had a team of eight people going on the trip.  Now, the trip is just three weeks away.  My longing since childhood to serve in a country of need is finally becoming a reality.  Am I excited? Yes. Am I nervous? Yes.  Do I feel competent to do the work that lies ahead? Not really but with the help and patience of my team and many prayers (both mine and others), God will find a way to use me.  As today's scripture reading reminds me, "if I offer myself as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God," my mind can be transformed.  Psalm 51 offers me a great beginning in preparation for this journey.

A few days ago, Robert sent us a picture that was taken on a past trip to Sierra Leone.  It brought tears to my eyes as I stared at Elyse Bell gazing into the eyes of an infant she was lovingly holding and carefully feeding.  I remembered receiving a meditation a few weeks earlier from Elyse and I said aloud the end of that meditation, "Here am I. Send me."  I pray that each of our team will "be present" with each and every person we encounter in the same way that Elyse was in that moment in time with the infant.

  

Preparing for the Journey

  Preparing for the Journey...

Happy Wednesday morning!  Last night our entire team met together to pack all the medicines and medical supplies that we currently have for our upcoming trip.  I arrived late because I had a previous engagement.  When I entered the room, I was amazed at the work that was taking place. Large suitcases were spread out all around the room and everyone was focused on getting them packed.

Afterwards, the suitcases were each weighed and because they were all under the maximum weight and most not full, we composed a list of additional items we need for the trip.
 1.  Sunglasses with protection from UV rays
 2.  Lots of small scissors (not children's scissors)

We are hoping the generosity of our church members will enable us to provide every child we see with a pair of sunglasses and every midwife with scissors.  Our team is so grateful for the prayers, contributions, thoughtfulness, and caring shown by so many people.  We promise to show the same love, generosity, and kindness to the people of Sierra Leone.

We are all getting excited for our upcoming trip.  The "first timers" of the team--Tonya and Laura Nash and I-- are glad that we will traveling and working with Robert Hill, Dr. Debi & Rebecca Selby, Carol Doster, and Debbie Jelks who have made multiple trips to Sierra Leone.  We are expecting to see over 1,000 children in at least six clinics and one mobile clinic.  Incredible, simply incredible!!  How blessed I feel to be able to make this trip and thanks to my dear, loving, supportive husband, John, who is sacrificing to enable me to go.

More to come soon!  Remember to keep praying . . .

Jane