Before my journey to the mission field in San Alejo, El Salvador I imagined myself being immensely changed by the encounters made with the other missionaries and the people to be served. One thing that was left out of that picture was how. How will it be possible for God to change me by going to a developing country when I myself was born and raised in one? That question lingered in my mind until I received my answer on the second to last day of clinics.
During the five days of clinic, each student rotated to a different specialty such as dental, psychiatry, pharmacy, general medicine, and so forth. On the Thursday of that week I was assigned to triage, where I measured the patient’s vital signs and wrote down their chief complaint. The funny thing is that I have been practicing specifically just that this past year in school. No biggie right? One would think this way without thought but let us not forget my main purpose, to spread God’s Word. From Monday through Wednesday I had a physician who was at the forefront, which inadvertently lessened the weight of me spreading the gospel alone. After serious thought I became nervous and afraid because now I had to do it all by myself. What if I messed up? What if I cannot make a connection with patient sitting in front of me? These were the thoughts running through my mind.
I was eager to spread the Word but afraid because I could not see the immediate result of how I will teach someone about God. With encouragement, guidance from one of the leaders I was then left to take charge. Not to mention I would be the patient’s first personal encounter to hear about God and His good news. I then remembered the story of Peter walking on water by keeping his eyes on Jesus. That reminded me that there was no need for me to fear when doing the work of God because He will be with me throughout it all. With that peace of mind and prayer, each patient I encountered was a blessing. Some of which I could not stop pouring my heart out to them about my love for Jesus and what he has in stored for us in his Kingdom.
All my doubts were removed and questions were answered. I made such a connection with the people that the next day at clinic when they brought their family, I was constantly being stopped to be introduced to them. My experience deepened my love for Christ over and over again as I saw those smiling hearts. Jesus died for me so that I could live and spread His message. This trip taught me that I should not be selfish with God’s love even when I am afraid. It is my duty to let others know about Him so that they too can be in the Kingdom of Heaven.
During the five days of clinic, each student rotated to a different specialty such as dental, psychiatry, pharmacy, general medicine, and so forth. On the Thursday of that week I was assigned to triage, where I measured the patient’s vital signs and wrote down their chief complaint. The funny thing is that I have been practicing specifically just that this past year in school. No biggie right? One would think this way without thought but let us not forget my main purpose, to spread God’s Word. From Monday through Wednesday I had a physician who was at the forefront, which inadvertently lessened the weight of me spreading the gospel alone. After serious thought I became nervous and afraid because now I had to do it all by myself. What if I messed up? What if I cannot make a connection with patient sitting in front of me? These were the thoughts running through my mind.
I was eager to spread the Word but afraid because I could not see the immediate result of how I will teach someone about God. With encouragement, guidance from one of the leaders I was then left to take charge. Not to mention I would be the patient’s first personal encounter to hear about God and His good news. I then remembered the story of Peter walking on water by keeping his eyes on Jesus. That reminded me that there was no need for me to fear when doing the work of God because He will be with me throughout it all. With that peace of mind and prayer, each patient I encountered was a blessing. Some of which I could not stop pouring my heart out to them about my love for Jesus and what he has in stored for us in his Kingdom.
All my doubts were removed and questions were answered. I made such a connection with the people that the next day at clinic when they brought their family, I was constantly being stopped to be introduced to them. My experience deepened my love for Christ over and over again as I saw those smiling hearts. Jesus died for me so that I could live and spread His message. This trip taught me that I should not be selfish with God’s love even when I am afraid. It is my duty to let others know about Him so that they too can be in the Kingdom of Heaven.
