Nepal 2019
Day 4_Friday

Lily Mak + Hui Hui

5 People, 18 Seconds Voice Message, 107 Patients

Following on from yesterday, we continued our partnership with Peace Child Ministry and set up the next medical camp at a different brick factory location. As we made our way from the hotel in Kathmandu, Sylvia led devotion in the van. She shared based on Psalm 91, that we can trust God’s protection and His power will be with us throughout our trip. The message was so encouraging that even the bumpy bus trip was not a distraction.

As we drove past and through the city, David suggested we could pray as we do. Our heart’s desire was for everyone to know about Jesus. God's presence was certainly felt during the journey.

This is the second medical camp with the Peace Child Ministry. When we arrived, there was a last minute need for change in location. The local pastor had to look for an alternate ideal location to set up the medical camp. Eventually, he found a Rice Mill along the road that had easy access and was able to accomodate all the tables, and even had a toilet. It was just perfect. It was such a blessing from God. Hallelujah!

Quickly, we began setting up and getting the clinic ready for the public. As soon as the clinic was ready, those who were meant to lead the children's ministry decided to go out into the village and slums around the brick factories, to call in those in need of a doctor.Since there were no prior announcements made to the community, we needed to inform the locals on the day itself, that free medical treatments were available today. At that very moment, Hui Hui came up with an excellent idea; to ask Lokendra (a Nepalese nurse, translator and local team mate) to record an 18 second voice message to help inform the locals about the medical clinic. Hui Hui, David, Sylvia, Joe and myself then used a portable speaker to play the voice message continuously, as we walked around the village. We were met by friendly locals who were curious with what we were broadcasting, and thankful that we’ve informed them about it. Somehow, I felt less shy about sharing the love of Christ here than in the UK, but unfortunately circumstances meant that we had to hold back to a certain extent. It would have been so cool if we could broadcast that we know a true healer! 

After walking for over 1.5 hours, David and Sylvia headed back to attend to the line of people outside the clinic, which was encouraging to see. However, Hui Hui felt the Holy Spirit was leading her to walk towards an unpathed lane, so Joe and I followed her lead. We reached a chicken farm and met a family there. We told them about the clinic and Joe started chatting with the farmer, who fortunately could speak some English. We ventured further into a slum area to inform a few more families. We could have gone further, but we felt that the rest of the team might have needed our help too. Along the way back, we were thrilled to meet a Christian family who runs a textile shop. It was so nice to be able to greet them with "Jaimasi"  (a Christian greeting). At last, we were back and we played with the children who were around the clinic.

The day went very smoothly as we played all the games that we’ve prepared with the children, gave away all the balloons and sweets we’ve brought and prepared. Everyone had a great time, but at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of deep sorrow in my heart. There were too many children left alone without proper care. When I look at each of them, I see a beauty that contrasted greatly with the ugliness of their living conditions, and it was just heartbreaking for me.

I was once again reminded of our morning devotion and the words from Psalm 91.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91:4)

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16)

As the day draws to a close, we were pleased to find out that we had attended to 107 patients. But more importantly, we’re glad it gave the local pastors the opportunity to meet these people, and hopefully be able to build relationships and share the love of Christ with them.