GOD’S “INCONVENIENT” SURPRISES

Most of us dread the “what if’s” of emergencies; neither Laura nor I ever wanted to experience a medical one in Uganda…but it happened…and we give testimony that God is faithful. 

Soon after our VOICE meeting Monday, 20^th of April, Laura felt some sharp discomfort/pain. Tuesday she called the doctor and booked for a Wednesday appointment (the first one she could get). Following several tests on Wednesday, the doctor diagnosed an enlarged and inflamed gallbladder and advised immediate surgery. Laura pleaded with her to try another option before jumping to surgery. She agreed to strong antibiotics but scheduled another ultrasound on Friday to see if it had shrunk. 

Friday revealed that it had grown even larger. All of the test results were sent digitally to our SEND Canada doctor and he replied immediately saying surgery was a must…his strong suggestion was a certain hospital in Nairobi, which was also the advice of our WorldVenture team leadership and so we began to work toward that. Meanwhile, Friday night extreme pain doubled Laura over for a couple of hours and convinced her that she could not make the trip to Nairobi; it would have to be done here in Uganda. 

Quite early Saturday morning, Laura phoned her doctor who said she would make arrangements with the hospital and surgeon of her choice…and soon called back to give us the details. Our driver, Fred, came to drive us to the hospital. So, we threw together a few things, made a few phone calls to cancel other plans, and off we went…not knowing what would await us…but all the while a warning from a Ugandan missionary back in 2010 was ringing in our ears…“You don’t’ want to get sick in Uganda.” 

Although the process of getting admitted and making arrangements seemed slow, all went well! Connie, a nurse missionary with WorldVenture came to help us through the medical maze of hospitals/surgery! (Neither Laura nor Ruth have ever been confined in a hospital in any country!) A number of additional pre-op tests were run and the decision was to wait until Sunday morning between 8 and 9 AM for surgery. After meeting both the surgeon and the anesthetist, Connie expressed confidence that they both seemed well qualified; a huge relief. We had hoped the gallbladder could be removed laparoscopically, but because it was so enlarged, that was not an option. Ruth spent the night with Laura—a norm for this country and also in the Philippines. Neither of us slept too well, but still there was a deep peace that God was taking care of us.

Prep work started about 6 AM Sunday morning; the reality of it all settled in but God’s strength was sufficient. Connie and our Ugandan friend, Beth, came to be with us. Laura was pretty well ready by 8 AM…but due to other emergencies, it was almost 11 AM when, preceded by a time of prayer, she was wheeled out. The anesthesiologist called us around 12 noon to say surgery had begun. Around 2:30 PM we received word that surgery had been successful—thank you Lord! We were invited/ordered to come down and “see the gallbladder.” Connie was our representative and sure enough, she got to see it and have it dissected before her eyes…with 2 stones about 2 inches across falling out plus multiple other stones of various sizes…and puss. No one could understand why Connie didn’t want to take a picture to show Laura. (We found out that Ugandan doctors have to “prove” that they did what they said they did!) Then about 4 PM, Laura returned to the room and her first words were “Praise God, my work is not finished yet; God has seen me through.” Yes, indeed, praise God! 

These first 2 days of recovery have not been easy, but she is gaining strength. Connie has come by every day and a second nurse friend (from India) came today. Our pastor, 2 from Scripture Union, Laura’s Bible Study Fellowship leader, and a few others have dropped in to pray—none of that could happen if we were in Nairobi. We know the road to full recovery will take time and patience. BUT, how can we doubt God’s wisdom and goodness after all He has seen us through these past days. Praise His holy name!

“Little Bibles”

For weeks, an oil change and over-all check-up for our Rav4 has been on my “to do” list. With sheer determination to get this done, I sent a text message to “my” garage lady/receptionist who gave me both a quote and an appointment. That day, by 8 AM the car was at the garage and before 4 PM, I was pleasantly surprised to receive their phone call saying it was completed. After some negotiation regarding the higher-than-expected/quoted price, the bill was paid, and I, with a sigh of relief to know that this job was done, got into the car and buckled up. But, wait…Nicholas, a Service Advisor, hurriedly approached the car.  With a smile he inquired, “Do you have any more of those little Bibles?”  I reached into my bag and produced a small bundle of God’s Offer.  His smile widened, “Thanks, I’ll give some to Rachel (one of the receptionists) who is also asking.” They had remembered from my last visit there! With a surprised smile, I realized afresh that these mundane jobs can also be God’s appointments. Praise God, and who knows how God will use these paper missionaries to remind garage people of His truth and love.

God's Assurance

More than two dozen test teachers and volunteers braved Saturday market morning traffic to share their experiences and make suggestions for improvement.  Several others came in preparation for their intention to test teach next term. I led devotions centered around the verse that had been the focus of the Easter message at our church and which had been such an encouragement—1 Cor. 15:58. We so appreciate these mostly young people who willingly give their time to teach a new curriculum in the schools…and I wanted them to know that their labors are not in vain. 

We then moved into a testimony time when the teachers of Forgiveness (Lower Primary) and Purity (Upper Primary and Secondary) shared some highlights of their experiences. We all were cheered by stories of test teachers getting permission, teaching the Values lessons in new schools, students grasping the importance of abstinence, and behavior changes noted especially after the 4^th and 5^th lessons.  I was not prepared however for one SU Staff who “told it like it is” as she taught the Purity lessons in a new school.  She was shocked by what her Primary 5 and 6 students “knew” and by the revelation that a number in her class have been sexually abused by their own relatives.  I “lost it” at that point and we paused for prayer for God’s mercy upon these precious children. I must confess a feeling of hopelessness as I pondered the pervasiveness of immorality and injustice especially against women and children. 

I was still processing the horror of abuse in homes the next morning, Sunday. “Can we really make any difference? The problems are so huge, the poverty so deep.” Just then Ruth shouted from the office, “You’ve got to come and read this….” I joined Ruth and we praised God together as we read the news of a memorial gift of $20,000 mailed to SEND International designated for Values Publishing (which is the amount needed to publish another module on all 3 levels!).  Just when we needed assurance that we/God can make a difference and He wants us to move forward, this email arrived! All praise to our God. 

“Christ has risen…and your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:57, 58