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.
