Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Teamwork

Very few people desire to work completely by themselves.   As doctors we often take pride in our individual skills.   Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 4:8, “there is a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother.”  Why do I work so hard if I cannot take the fruit of my efforts with me or leave my material possessions to someone I love.  “There was no end to his toil yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.”   The more I accumulate the more I want and the harder I must work.   “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?”   If I work too hard or long there is no time to enjoy what I have earned.   All of this results in “a miserable business.” 

The remaining verses in Ecc 4 describe the benefits for man when he works together with a like minded brother.   God designed us to work in relationship to others reflecting the work of the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Often as a missionary, I think of how much more God good accomplish through me being part of an effective team.   There are at least 13 lessons on the value of teamwork that I could find.  Can you find more?

1)  A good return, which usually means a profit

2) Good verses not so good or bad, a return without trouble as with  something illegal.

3) A good return provides what is needed not necessarily what is wanted.

4) A good return means our work will be meaningful.

5) When you work as a team there is someone who can offer encouragement.

6) It takes two to be able to support one another.

7) There are some tasks that you cannot do by yourself. 

Two are better for defending.

9) You yourself alone cannot see all of your own weaknesses.

10) There is safety in numbers.

11) A team has more strength.

12) There is a synergistic effect.  when two work together there effort does more than double.

13) Emotional stability increases because when one is down the other is up.

14) You become more aware of forgiveness and grace.

15) You discover different approaches from an additional set of eyes and thoughts.

16) You have someone to share your experience.

As I typed these lessons out I came up with three more, with my final thought being when you know Jesus you are never alone.  I am thankful that God has chosen me to be part of His team, although He doesn’t need me to accomplish His purposes.  What a privilege it is to serve on our LORD’s team!  May we not only be a good member of God’s team but our earthly teams as well bringing unity in Christ to all we do.

The Medical System in Ukraine

The world is a much smaller place than it used to be thanks to instant communication via the Internet. Yet, as individuals living and working in different countries we tend to focus on our own problems where we work and live.  We don’t do this in a vacuum but within the context of our individual cultures.  Each culture has the same basic needs, but our thought process and how we meet those needs are different.

Often I am asked what is the Ukrainian medical system like, how does it function, how is it similar and different than our system.  Recently there have been two articles published that accurately describe the Ukrainian medical system from what I have experienced after living in Ukraine for seven years.  The links to the two articles are Ukraine’s Hybrid  Healthcare System, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7484095.stm, and Healthcare Deteriorating, Physician Shortage likely to grow, http://alisterandsarah.blogspot.com/2008/06/more-on-medical-situation.html. 

Therefore, as an Americian living in Ukraine, I tend to look at the Ukrainian medical system through a different set of cultural glasses.  Native people often accept their culture and traditions as correct giving little thought to how the same task is accomplished in another country.  But once exposed to a different culture, the question becomes which perspective is correct, maybe both are invalid.  It is here that a belief in a God who is sovereign and the author of absolute truth is a blessing.  Either God is the God of all cultures or He is not God.  May we all look to God who knows all and His wisdom to answer how we should provide the best medical care drawing from all cultures he created. 

The Value of $300

In world’s economy the value of $300 does not seem like much.  But when seen through God’s eyes the value greatly increases.  What we think as being insignificant, might be of great value to someone else.  Things we take for granted such as access to any book, on any subject, at anytime, are not common place in the rest of the world.  Such is the case with medical literature in Ukraine.  Physicians in the USA have access to hospital libraries, the latest medical journals and textbooks and of course the Internet.

So, what would bring tears combined with giddiness to a grown woman who happens to be the most knowledgeable doctor in all of Ukraine regarding the treatment of children infected with HIV?  The answer is a textbook about pediatric oncology.  About two months ago I was visiting Dr. Svetlana where she works at Okmadet the National Children’s Hospital.  When she learned of my previous training in pediatric hematology/oncology, she began to talk of her 12 year old patient who developed lymphoma and the challenges of treating a child with AIDS for cancer.  Pediatric oncologists were consulted but there is a tremendous stigma associated with anyone who is HIV positive in Ukraine.  The oncologists were hesitant to treat and slow to respond when called.  So Dr. Svetlana said, “What I need is to learn how to treat these kids myself!”  ” I need a textbook.”  “I have the money, but I can’t buy it in Ukraine.”  “Can you help?” We also take for granted a reliable postal service.

About the same time Jim and Donna Houston from the Church at Brookhills in Birmingham, Alabama were visiting with a team from Lifeline Adoption agency who I have assisted from time to time with adoptions.  After hearing the story above they promised to present this need to their church.  

After returning to Alabama and sharing the need, the Ladies Bible Study Group at Brookhills led by Betsy Parker responded to the plea.  They purchased the latest edition of Principles and Practices of Pediatric Oncology .  Six weeks later the text was hand carried to Ukraine by short term missionary from Brookhills to insure safe arrival.  With the current weight restrictions on luggage and the book being heavy and quite large this was a huge and timely favor.  When I carried the book last week to Dr. Svetlana, she immediately developed a huge smile when she saw the text and tears when I told her the cost had been paid in full. She quickly scanned the pages with delight, saying over and over I need to read about this or that.

But what of the girl with lymphoma?  Tragically, her immune system and body were just too weak.   She died just a couple of weeks ago.  But this was the opening I had been waiting, the moment to discuss Biblical medicine and Jesus Christ, who also paid the price in full so that we may have eternal life.  Only Christian physicians can offer this true hope.  Only we can explain the diagnosis of our greatest illness, sinfulness, and then offer the healing that comes only through knowing Jesus Christ.

Pray for Svetlana and her staff that the may become believers in Christ as our work at Okmadet continues,  whether teaching English to the medical staff, helping provide resources or just showing the love of Christ to the patients and their families.  We pray they will one day be able to be used by God to offer spiritual healing to their patients and families.

So what is the value of $300?  It is the proper use of what God has given us to build relationships, encourage others, advance His Kingdom and ultimately bring glory to God.   And thank you Church at Brookhills for sharing your resources.