mitch & char

mitch & char

Monday, July 30

Why did we stay in Africa for our healthcare?

A question that many friends and family have asked, and we are so grateful for the care and love behind that question. Thank you for thinking so much of us. Thought I(mitch) would try to explain a bit and give some possibility for future reversal surgeries.
First of all, even with Medivac-we were not able to travel. My condition until very recently, was too compromised. 2nd; the health care here in South Africa is compatible and incredibly advanced just like the USA(as our US consulting physicians and surgeons from the states have advised us)
3rd; there is a spiritual component here that we have never seen. Nurses that sing praise songs at shift changes and offer spiritu encouragement, countless brothers and sisters in the Lord(mostly strangers, and now friends) that have taken time to encourage and pray with us.
4th; for the same care, the cost is nearly 1/4 of that in the USA(they don't seem to have many of the issues we see in the states and finally
5th; we have insurance here in africa and not in the USA. This insurance covered the first $65,000 in full of our expenses, and we have had an additional $80,000 paid thanks to friends, family and churches. We are blessed and in awe and could never say thank you enough. What a mighty God to orchestrate all of this.
We are seeing that the Lord has used our infirmary to touch others, bringing some back to the Lord, and in a few incidents; introducing Christ and the eternal hope found in a relationship with Him to some. We have heard from people praying literally around the globe, and are seeing a spirit of unity of believers regardless of denomination(sounds a bit like the original new testament church eh?-oh what a beautiful thing...and to God be all the honor, praise and Glory)
We may never fully understand the "whys", but we take comfort in knowing that He does-and this earthly challenge is as much about what the Lord wants to do in our lives, as it may be in YOUR life. How exciting! We are happy to be used in this way, and hope that we are able to rise to the challenge of making Him known to more.
Next steps:
Get out of the hospital
Take some downtime to recover(still week and skinny and learning how to live with tubes and pipes and skin grafts and the home care that goes with it)
Have tests done on ureter to determine extent of damage...this will happen in October and will be the determining factor in where we have the 4 reversal surgeries performed(USA or South Africa).
Set time for reversals-could BR as early as November or as late as January.
Through it all we have seen the Lord present leadership opportunities to our swaziland staff-and we are so proud of them stepping up and "owning" their piece of the swaziland cup ministry. And THAT is the goal of every missionary-raise someone up to take over and duplicate efforts. We are seeing the system working in that fashion an are so pleased!
Still alot of decisions to make, we really miss our USA friends and family and will be returning for a short while -we just don't know when exactly, or what will happen at that time. There is a debriefing class for trauma for missionaries that we will look into to help is grow and make us more effect in doing His work, and of course try to connect with You. Your prayers and support have sustained us an given us strength. I pray that our circumstances have challenged you to go deeper in building your relationship with your best friend Jesus! I know it has us, and chat and I have never loved each other or Jesus more-so in a strange way-we say "thank you for this problem Lord"
Now you know our heart, hope it makes sense and you see it with the passion we intend. Again so grateful for You and those that have amazing heart and intention for us to be back in the USA immediately. Please know-we love you!
If you would like daily updates please look us up at www.Facebook.com/mitchchar for a monthly newsletter, please email mitchionary@gmail.com.

Mitch

1 comment:

Kelly said...

Thanks for the details Mitch! I figured the cost there was a lot better than here. And to think of all the praise that goes on around you - an atmosphere of healing! That in itself is worth being there instead.