Tuesday – Day 2

Today, we went to a place called Karolina. Our clinic was in the small hut you see in the picture.

Past

Last year, one of our mobile clinics went to Karolina for two of the days. When they arrived, Karolina had not received a single drop of water for seven days. Also, it was a tent city. There were about 1,000 patients awaiting their arrival. The medical team leader’s heart broke as she knew that she could not see all of the people who were in so desperate need. Out of the 1,000 patients, only about 500 were seen.

In Karolina was one small church led by a pastor who sought out our missionary team for help.

Present

Today, all three of our mobile clinics traveled to Karolina. All three of our buses stopped at a dirt road crossroads. Me, and the other two team leaders left our buses and were met by the pastor of the church who first sought our help a year ago. However, today would be vastly different than last year.

Today, the pastor introduced us each to our guides. Our guides then took each team to their separate locations in Karolina. We were led to the three churches of this pastor in various parts of Karolina! The pastor told us how he had been training his church members for a month so that they could help us help their community most efficiently.

Today, we treated over 1200 patients between eye glasses, dental, and general medicine! The pastor of this large community was tear filled as he thanked us for our work there today.

Future

The future of Karolina looks bright, in every sense of the word. The Light of the world (Jesus) is pushing back the darkness in that community and He is doing it through His Bride, the Church. The Church, theologians will tell you, includes every believer to have ever lived and  ever will live, where as the church (little, “c”) is the local expression of the larger Church (big, “C”). All are the body of Christ. *Deep, I know…it’s a mystery (Ephesians).

It was neat today because I was a part of the little, “c” church temporarily expanding to the big, “C” Church to point a community towards King Jesus.

The future of Karolina is Hopeful because Jesus loves Karolina. We know this because God the Father sent his Son,Jesus, to earth to die for the sins of the people of Karolina so that they may know and love the One True God. We also know this because Jesus and the Spirit have sent a pastor and church planter to Karolina to be His body as King Jesus pushes back darkness and as Dr. Jesus heals people’s broken and sinful hearts.  We also know this because God is sovereign and allowed us (medical missionaries) to partner with Karolina and the local church(es) there to see their city look a little more like Heaven until Jesus brings Heaven to earth and makes His Kingdom a physical reality.

Questions:

What is your past? Does it include Jesus and your distance from Him?

What is your present? Does it include Jesus and your oneness with Him (you’re never, “kinda married”)?

What is your future? Does it include worshiping Jesus as Loving King or suffering under Jesus as Righteous Judge?

 

 

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