I write this while preparing to leave for a new (to me) part
of the world. I am going to live among
strangers that I hope to call friends, but there are many things that separate
us. Language, Culture, Race,
Religion. It is possible that some of those
I meet may not trust me or like me. It
may even be possible that a few might hate me.
Is that a reason I should not go?
Jesus came to earth for us under similar conditions, and I will follow him in this wherever he leads me.
My Hope is unshakable. Though the
foundations of the earth may falter, the hope found in Jesus Christ is a sure
foundation. There are more people today than
ever before in history who do not know that God has declared us his friends based on Jesus sacrifice. Some of these people live next door to me and
across the street. Many live on the
other side of the world. For years, I
have felt and followed a desire to travel further to live out the good news of
Jesus. Aware that I cannot do this on my
own strength, I ask you to pray for me.
On Sept 22,
I leave for one month in Niger ,
West Africa . For
a bit of sobering perspective, the U.S.
has one doctor for about every 370 people; Niger
has one doctor for about every 25,000 people (so I will be VERY busy!) Two good friends of mine who are both single
female doctors are currently there for 4 1/2 months as part of the
international family medicine fellowship which I completed just over a year
ago. Traveling with me is another good
friend of mine, Katy, who is also a doctor. We look forward to serving
alongside the long term missionaries and national staff at the hospital. We also look forward to seeing our
friends and hope to bring refreshment and encouragement (and chocolate!) to
them.
I am deeply grateful for to all those who have poured
into my life. I want you to know that
because you are part of my life you travel and serve with me. (Most of
you probably never expected to travel to Africa , huh?)
Please
remember me and the people of Niger
in your prayers.
Specific requests
1. An end to the cholera outbreak
2. That those who lost homes in the recent flooding will be
sustained and that rebuilding will be able to progress.
3. That those who need malaria treatment will be able to get
it (many hospitals have run out due to the high number of cases currently)
4. That I will be able to take the supplies and medicines
that the hospital has requested (lots of red tape on both sides of the ocean)
5. Ability to
communicate well with patients and staff (despite multiple language barriers)
6. God's guidance
about where to do long-term mission work in the future
7. Physical and
spiritual protection
His,
Alexis
Below: world map from 2006 showing population to doctor ratios around the world)
2 comments:
Marilou- Long story short... but I am SOOOO STINKIN PROUD OF THE WOMAN YOU ARE ALEXIS!!!! I could not thank GOD anymore for your unending commitment to HIS goodness and HIS kingdom, and HIS people regardless of color, location, or abilities. Oh, and by the way, I am pretty sure somewhere in the next 2-5 years I will be doing work in the country of CHAD. Not sure what all the LORD is doing, but I truly feel or sense a drawing to this nation for the LORD. So perhaps since they are right next door, I will be requiring your services a few miles to the right????? Lex-love ya, praying, and blessings to you.
What hospital are you at? We have some friends who are going to Galmi Hospital in December with the Post-Residency Program.
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