Global Aid Network Mission Reports

Below are three glimpses into some of what is happening through the North Africa team:His eyes had been tested and glasses prescribed. The small boy sat in front of Jim, a retiree who has committed his life to trips such as this one. After Jim placed the corrective lenses in the Harry Potter-like round eyeglasses and fit them to the child’s face, he looked up in wonder at Jim…and then placed a big, wet kiss on Jim’s forehead. A kiss implanted forever in Jim’s heart.

DAY ONE:
Tired but rejoicing. We checked approximately 300 children for vision needs. Unfortunately we had some mix-up in record keeping re those who needed glasses so don’t have an exact count, but made some executive decisions to get that straightened out. We now have a flow chart that will help everyone—local volunteers as well as the GAiN team—keep better records and control. However I’m told by some who have been on the project in the past, that this was the least chaotic first day they’ve experienced.

We had a number of university students, and a few high school students, serving as translators. The university students, especially, were terrific. We had a couple of dental students/interns who examined all of the students, noting those who needed the most care. We were told, rightfully, that students’ parents must give permission before any dental work could be done, so there was concern that they might not be able to treat any students until Tuesday. As it turns out, a number of parents were present so the dentists were busy the whole day.

The surgical team repaired two cleft lips, one a 3-month old whose parents drove four hours from a neighboring country to get to the hospital. The second child was 6-months; his parents had walked three hours to the hospital. Surgery went very well on both.

We don’t have a very good internet connection so reporting may be sporadic.

DAY TWO:
Swimming in kids today! Several eye issues addressed. One young boy with 20/350 vision (didn’t even know that was possible!) walked out wide eyed, seeing and smiling. The mother couldn’t stop hugging little Marti (who had made and fit the boy’s glasses) before leaving the room.

Two more serious surgeries accomplished by the doctors, but all seems to have gone well. Dr. Rizzuti was called back to the hospital tonight; pray that all healing is complete. (Update: needed mostly to reassure parents that everything is normal.)

Dentists were nearly overrun with children! Finally decided to send only the most serious cases to our over worked crew and even with that, the team arrived back in the staff room almost 2 hours after everyone else.

Two of our crew–musically talented guys–had 50 kids uproariously singing E-E-E-I-O and Do Re Me and the Mickey Mouse Club Song!

Pray for more interpreters & other support personnel (go-fers), good relationships with school personnel.

The team is gracious, hard working, positive and fun!

We praise God for the safe travel He’s given the Global Aid Network Uganda team.  They have arrived safely for their layover in London, and the advance team in Uganda is eagerly awaiting their arrival.

During this project the team will continue to minister to the children at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Home, but will also have the opportunity to visit a local school serving 120 children.  Volunteers will be able to minister to the students’ families one-by-one, and present friendship gifts of sugar, soap, and other items in addition to sharing the life-changing message of the Gospel.

Please continue to pray for the team’s safe travel, and for God to prepare the hearts of those they will encounter.

My ‘On-time’ God

On my recent trip to North Africa, I saw God’s faithfulness in huge ways!  I was there to participate in a vision clinic.  Prior to our arrival, the team had little time to practice making the glasses that we were using for the clinic.  I must admit that fear crept into my heart but I knew I had clearly heard the call of God to go on this trip.  Having walked with the Lord for many years, and experienced His grace countless times, I asked Him to calm my fears and guide my hands as I made each pair of glasses.  From the first child to the last, God gave the wisdom and direction to work through each prescription and find joy in doing something new and different.  I was comforted by God’s words, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this.” Psalm 37:5

Throughout the week, God brought me new friends like D. and W.  Both were overjoyed to have their eyes stop hurting.  The girls could not stop smiling as they were now able to see clearly.  Although I was unable to openly share the Gospel with these wonderful children, I was able to put my arms around them and show them the love of Christ.  I pray that they will one day find the true God. 

It is such a great joy to serve God in this way!  As the week came to a close and the numbers were counted, we were amazed that God brought us 1,406 children.  We made 486 pairs of glasses and also distributed sunglasses.

My prayer and hope is to return one day to build upon the relationships that were started.  Please, come with me!

Submitted by: T. H. (excerpts from newsletter)

Photos:  (Top: T.H. assembling glasses); (Bottom: Children in glasses prepared by team)

A recent Global Aid Network project almost stopped before it started. Only a few days before their scheduled departure, team leaders received previously unannounced and thus totally unexpected demands from government officials of the receiving country. Certification of medical personnel would be required prior to the team’s arrival. A more complicated assessment of incoming medications would be necessary. All this and more made team leaders, Frank and Ruth Luter, wonder if the team, medical equipment and medications would even make it through customs. 

An urgent plea for prayer went out, Frank scrambled to gather documents, and after several delays, the team boarded their flight. Weary from travel and stress, they eventually landed at their destination, wondering how God would clear the path.

While there were some delays in the capital city, the team finally arrived in-country and began setting up the clinic. The doctor, nurses and other volunteers treated long lines of people who had walked even longer miles. Those working in the cramped and steamy pharmacy dispensed the prescribed medications. Each evening team members wearily gathered to pray—and sometimes weep—over the day’s people and experiences.

They especially prayed that they and the national Christian leaders would find favor with the government so evangelism and discipleship could move forward with vigor in this difficult place. Without being told all the details, they were aware of surveillance by government informants. One young man especially caught their attention. Shaddy* closely watched every procedure but seemed particularly interested in the gospel bracelets that were given to everyone who gathered at the clinic. These are simple bracelets with beads of various colors used to explain the good news of salvation.

Shaddy had somehow acquired several bracelets and was passing them out while he talked with the people, but Frank suspected that the message being given wasn’t quite accurate or complete. “Shaddy, let me explain the bracelet message so you know it very well,” said Frank. After the explanation, Frank asked, “Shaddy, have you ever committed your life to Jesus and asked Him to forgive your sins? After further conversation, the young man bowed his head and trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. Shaddy didn’t keep his new-found faith to himself but immediately began sharing his new life in Christ with clinic members who observed that he even looked different.

End of story? Not quite. As frequently happens in many countries around the world where Global Aid Network teams minister, local and national dignitaries requested a final meeting to recognize the team for their efforts. After mutual thanks were expressed, one of the local pastors stood and said, “In addition to helping our people in the villages by addressing their physical needs, we were sharing with them how Jesus could meet their spiritual needs.” At this point, he turned to Shaddy: “Why don’t you explain the bead bracelet to our honored guests?” Shaddy—a twenty-four-hour-old Christian—handed bracelets to each of the dignitaries, simply and beautifully explaining the gospel.

Hundreds of people were treated for their often severe physical conditions, but there was great rejoicing in heaven—and in the hearts of Global Aid Network team members—because Shaddy finally understood what it meant to be a child of the King and eagerly shared his new faith with leaders who hold the future of that country in their hands.

Who knows the ultimate outcome of the faithful service of a handful of Christians willing to forego the conveniences of home, sacrificing time, strength and money for a brief period. They had heard Jesus’ words: “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35).

*A fictitious name is used to protect his identity.

Exciting things are happening with the Global Aid Network team in North Africa, as American volunteers perform medical and vision clinics for the public, demonstrating the love of Christ for them.

On Monday, April 30, the team reported that the vision clinic saw 45 people in under four hours.  The medical team saw double that amount in the same timeframe.  Staying busy throughout the day, three of the physicians volunteering with the team met with 15 local doctors and hospital staff discussing various treatments and western medical techniques.  These same local medical personnel have volunteered to work side by side with the Global Aid Network team the remainder of the week.

On Tuesday, May 1, the pace stayed heavy with the vision clinic assisting 93 patients, and making 43 pairs of glasses in under four hours.  And again, the medical team was inundated with people as over 200 patients came through in the same four hour time frame.  The team leader reports, “The people are very friendly and appreciative.  This outreach helped our friends here reach out to their friends and help them in tangible ways and offer hope to many!”

Please continue to pray for this dedicated team as they let the light of their faith shine bright through their actions and love towards the people.