“When leading an emergency surgery in the middle of the night I am just as well worshiping God as when I lead the singing on Sunday morning,” explains Dr. Johnson. This Zambian anaesthesiologist and I lead a forum on medical mission. More than 40 Christian health workers are represented at this unique event: never before has such a meeting taken place in Senegal. People have come from all over the country: Christians who, with their faith as motivation, providing holistic care to Senegalese in often in difficult situations. Purpose of the meeting is encouragement, sharing ideas and creating a network.
The inspirational speaker Darrow Miller explains that we actually view the world and our work with our cultural glasses, and how biblical glasses change our views. This applies also to our work ethic, and we talk about this in small groups. “In my nomadic tribe work indicates status” says Dr Sy from northern Senegal. “He whom herds much cattle earns the respect from social environment.” Fatou, who leads a health centre in St Louis says: “In my native language there is a saying that those who work, can solve their own problems.” But what difference do our Biblical glasses make when we care for our patients? Not so much the fact that we claim to be Christians.
We share experiences of how God equips and helps us to dedicate ourselves to the work, to sincerely love the patients, seeing also the social and psychological aspects of care, etc. Each life has value to God, no matter how small, unborn or disabled it may be. Every human bears God’s image. That is visible is our attitude to every patient we meet. Most importantly, that we do our work well. “The care we give must be outstanding, this is our strongest testimony.” concludes Dr. Johnson.
The forum was not just a social event, it was the start of a network of initiatives in medical mission. Through contact and exchange, we can provide more and better care and ultimately impact health care in Senegal deeper. Faith, work and networking it all contributes to better healthcare!
