Safe am I in the hollow of His hand

Safe am I

Safe am I

in the 

hollow of His hand!

Sheltered 'or

Sheltered 'or

in 

His love for ever more!

No foe can harm me

Nor fear alarm me 

for

His keeps both day and night!

Safe am I

Safe am I 

in the

hollow of His hand!

 It is a joy to be back in Niger.  Paul is in the Bloc (Operating Room) this morning. I am doing a bit of this and that. First days are full.  Greeting everyone is very important.  Nursing rounds must be made.  Supplies that we brought must be sorted, inventoried and distributed.

This morning we had a meeting with the spiritual life team. It was a great time of sharing, planning and praying together.  There is an ongoing great need and desire for the children to be reached with the love of the Lord Jesus through Bible stories, songs and skits.  But how?  We are so blessed in the USA with an abundance of materials and training for children. However not all material is appropriate for the culture in Niger.  Additionally, the scriptures must be taught considering children's developmental stages.

Of course I am no expert but I love to tell the true stories from the Bible.  This visit I have chosen a series of Bible stories from the Old Testament that contain Children.  Each lesson will include a Bible truth about God from the life of the child. We have some great pictures to illustrate the stories. We have paired some great action 'Sunday School' songs to go along with each story. We laughed as we attempted to translate some songs.  We planned the lessons together and then prayed together for God's wisdom, help and blessing. We ask for much spiritual fruit from these lessons.

I chose the song above which is an old Sunday School chorus as it is one that my father taught me. I remember him singing it. The truth is very comforting as I travel about visiting the various CURE International hospitals.

More importantly, this is a truth that we desire for each child, caregiver and staff to know in uncertain and troubling times. We desire safety during their hospital experience and recovery. We desire safety as the patients return to their homes. We desire safety in knowing the LORD Jesus Christ for their eternal future. 

Please join us in praying for the CURE Niger Hospital. It is a joy to serve here.

The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Deuteronomy 33:27a 

 

Sunday School Songs and Gospelicious Greetings! Are you thirsty?

During morning devotions, Elodie Py our nurse manager sat with some of our long stay patients who were very excited to have a little extra attention and time to sing our special songs. These dear ones are like sponges drinking up God's  love!

 Deep and wide

Deep and wide

There's a fountain flowing deep and wide

Plunge right in

Loose your sin

There's a fountain flowing deep and wide!

Running over

Running over

My cup is full and running over

Since the LORD saved me

I'm as happy as can be

My cup is full and running over!

It is the hot season in Niger. At any time of the year, water is precious but even more so now. I am so grateful for my water bottle at my side at the hospital.  Dehydration is a real danger everyday. It is easy to understand that physical thirst must find a source of satisfaction. A cold cup of water is so refreshing!!  The dry heat makes me so thirsty, I can drink more than 3 liters of water in a day.  I need to keep drinking throughout the day and even sometimes at night.

This is a simple illustration of our spiritual thirst. Throughout the day (and if you are wakeful at night) my soul thirsts, too. My soul longs for satisfaction and comfort. If I attempt to satisfy my spiritual thirst with anything other than the LORD, I will be disappointed. 

Last month, I attended the TCPC Women's Retreat with Ruthie Delk entitled Craving Grace. We all crave something to assuage our brokenness and the brokenness in the world around us. We were challenged to turn our eyes upon Jesus for our salvation, sanctification and soul satisfaction. This is why I have such a passion to share my faith and testimony of God's grace. I have tasted and have been satisfied by the LORD Jesus. Throughout the day I must continually seek my LORD, as obstacles, issues, and problems threaten to dehydrate me, I must constantly drink from the fountain of God's refreshment, His word, His people and the privilege of prayer and praise.

Here in Niger, I see a lot of physical thirst due to lack of clean water and extreme heat of the desert. More than physical thirst,  there are many who come through the gates of the CURE hospital who are disabled, discouraged, downtrodden, depressed and desperate for a word of encouragement which is presentation of the Good News.  For this purpose, it has been a joy to teach the children and their caregivers these two little songs. Every day that I am at the hospital, as we make our prayer rounds and greet the patients on the ward and in the case de passage (patient hostel) I explain the gospel in simple ways in my not so perfect French.....which is translated into two or three tribal languages. There are so many smiling faces as they hear the truth about God, their need for forgiveness of sins and the solution of Jesus' sacrifice.  Oh yes, God's mercy, grace and love is deep and wide! The fountain is the forgiveness of sins found in the life blood of Jesus Christ. There are such deep theological truths in such simple songs.

I wonder as you read this blog....Can you sing Running over? Is your cup, your life overflowing with God's love, joy, peace, forgiveness......? Is this your source of soul satisfaction? Have you tasted the deep and wide love of our Great God and Savior?

God's Love Shared with Patients, Friends and Staff

Aminou is a sweet boy who has been severely burned. He is so precious and loves to have a cuddle with Mamma Maureen. He had a happy morning in the art therapy program.

Aminou was very happy to get a candy from Elodie Py our nurse manager. She loves to give the children treats and encourage the long stay patients.

Yesterday, I had a visitor who is well known in Niger. Mr. Issa Inouss is a journalist who I met at the CURE Niger grand opening in October 2015. He came to greet me and hear more about what we are doing at CURE. He was very impressed to see the healing of the little children.

Josh and Issa enjoyed a good discussion of our work.

We had CPR classes in the afternoon for staff. One staff member was practicing on the floor....you can only see her purple head covering. These women were great students!!  I appreciate their careful work.

Brian Van Hall our executive director came on evening nursing rounds with me. The nurses were helping him understand the charts in French.

My dear nurses are like family to me. I appreciate their work with the patients so much.

Let your light shine before men, that they many see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. 

Matthew 5:16

God's Love Shared with Patients, Friends and Staff

Aminou is a sweet boy who has been severely burned. He is so precious and loves to have a cuddle with Mamma Maureen. He had a happy morning in the art therapy program.

Aminou was very happy to get a candy from Elodie Py our nurse manager. She loves to give the children treats and encourage the long stay patients.

Yesterday, I had a visitor who is well known in Niger. Mr. Issa Inouss is a journalist who I met at the CURE Niger grand opening in October 2015. He came to greet me and hear more about what we are doing at CURE. He was very impressed to see the healing of the little children.

Josh and Issa enjoyed a good discussion of our work.

We had CPR classes in the afternoon for staff. One staff member was practicing on the floor....you can only see her purple head covering. These women were great students!!  I appreciate their careful work.

Brian Van Hall our executive director came on evening nursing rounds with me. The nurses were helping him understand the charts in French.

My dear nurses are like family to me. I appreciate their work with the patients so much.

God's Love in Sunday Worship-April 19

African Worship is so lovely! It is very expressive, colorful and passionate.......and I'll admit a tad long and hot yesterday. I appreciate how these dear brothers and sisters worship with all that they have.....their best clothes, their best voices, their best offering...Praise the LORD! Even if I did not understand all the different languages spoken, the language of God's love amongst Brothers and Sisters in Christ was understood clearly

Clap your hands, all you nations;

Shout to God with cries of joy.

How awesome is the LORD Most High,

The great King over all the earth.

Psalm 47:1

The singing was so impressive.....this is a group of widows who are praising God for providing a way for us to be saved and for providing for our daily needs! It was lovely.

This is one of the chairs that was donated by some Christians after the burning of the church in January. The congregation was so grateful for the generosity of believers around the world who have helped Banga Bana Evangelical Church. FYI these nice plastic chairs are on the women's side of the church......the men have the repainted metal chairs:)

The man with the colorful pants (eat your heart out Suffs!) works with an organization that trains coaches and athletes. He was making a presentation. I could not help but appreciate the effort it must take to do any kind of sports activities in this heat! (120 F on Saturday). Sports are an important part of the local culture. What a great way to share the Good News!

God's Love on Friday at CURE Niger!

My name will be great among the nations from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 1:11

Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD. Psalm 107:43

 

Fridays are discharge days...sweet baby whose cleft palate was repaired! Had some sweet talks with the Mamma

Mr. Karazi was my first meningitis vaccine patient...so brave!

Elodie and Jacques

Sweet Jocelyne was saying she was scared but said she didn't feel it!

Moutari was very strong too! Everyone wanted to have Elodie or Mamma Maureen to take care of them during this meningitis epidemic.

Daouda bravely receives his vaccine too.

It is a privilege to serve at the CURE Hospital. We never know what a day will bring forth! God is lovingly taking care of our patients, staff and their families!
On a lighter note, I wore a sweater this morning as it was a chilly 85!  

God's love in teamwork at CURE Niger

Anesthesia team ready for healing surgery

Healing hands of surgeon and her team assisting to bring wholeness to a young boy

Anesthesia poised for action and enjoying the learning experiences

Mamma Maureen had to get into one picture!

It is very evident that teamwork is necessary for a surgical procedure. The surgeon could not do the operation without the assistance of the scrub and circulating nurses and the expertise of the anesthesiologists. Each is a vital member of the healing team at CURE.
I love to hear the doctor or nurse pray before each case.  It shows our need and acknowledgement of the LORD in this work. This morning one of our little fellows was scared and so the surgeon held his hand while the anesthesiologist prepared the patient for anesthesia and I sang Running Over and Jesus Loves A__________!  What a privilege to work together to bring healing to this little fellow. Feeling the love!

All day long I am involved with training and teaching. This morning I read these verses in Titus 2 and it fits well with the work that God has called me to in Niger.

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. (Titus 2:7&8)

Basic Life Support

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.  Job 33:4

Practicing techniques of CPR

Poor old 'Resusie Annie'

Today was a teaching day. The class was called Basic Life Support.  I am always amazed at the idea that someone who is having a heart attack, breathing problems or some such crisis can be helped by these simple techniques. It seems so presumptuous to say that we are bringing our patients back to life. I am so aware that all of life originates with the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!

I usually preface the classes with two stories recounting how some non-medical people were able to 'save a life' as they used the correct techniques. The first story is about my Mum who took a first aid course with some CPR training. She was able to do the right thing when my Pappa Jack Dawson had a major heart attack in 1989 when they were at their lake house. The second story is about Deborah Lander, a violinist who collapsed on a Lexington street and suffered sudden death. She was kept alive by a couple of people who were passing by.  They were not medical.  She is alive and well and playing her beautiful music again.

There are a few things that I enjoy about these classes. One is that the students are motivated to help. They are keen to help people who are having a health crisis.....that's why most of my students are nurses, doctors, or hospital staff of some sort. Secondly, I enjoy these classes as I can see the participants mastering the skills that they are taught. Thirdly, these classes make me aware that life is precious and fragile. We must handle it with care.....and prayer!

Life is a wonderful gift.......may mine be a reflection of my Heavenly Father who gave me physical and spiritual life! Thank you dear Lord Jesus for your sacrifice so that I might have eternal life with you.

God's Love in song and color

Beautiful beading by patients and caregivers at the Case de Passage (Hostel)

 Singing Deep and Wide with kids in the Art Therapy Room-It was very lively and helped me push through so sleepiness from jet-lag. Julie Korn is an amazing friend and art therapist. She surely knows how to make beauty from ashes. She encourages those with casts, burn scars and cleft repairs to make beautiful artwork. My passion is show the love of God through encouragement and action songs. What an enthusiastic group who participated with great joy!

Everyone is happy to have their picture taken and show their beads

 Look at these beautiful colors in the fabric, mats and beads!

 

 

This sweet girl was stringing Kentucky blue beads with white beads with letters on them. If she has time I should get her to make me a UK necklace!  

 

 

He has made everything beautiful it its time Also, He has put eternity into man's heart, yet do that he cannot find out what God has done from the the beginning to the end. 

Ecclesiastes 3:11

God's love for His People in Banga Bana and Christian Fellowship

May the God who gives encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.   Romans 15:5, 6

Negrini Family wrote Welcome Back on their entrance for me! It feels like coming to my second home for sure!

Banga Bana Evangelical Church is rebuilding the walls from the destructive fires in January! What some intended for evil...the Lord is bringing about blessing for this congregation. Thank you Lord for showering your love upon these dear people,

The beautiful byline....Jesus Christ est ressusitté (Jesus Christ is resurrected!) He is risen! Indeed! Note the lovely communion table cloths. We shared the Lord's supper together today....so simple, so precious....so uniting in the body of Christ, His church.

These young boys have beautiful rhythm on the drum and gourd with beads percussion instrument. Praise the LORD with all kinds of instruments!

Sunday afternoon and evening fellowship with the Negrinis, the Korns and Fanny was enjoyed by all. Thank you Julie and Josh for a wonderful afternoon of Christian joy and fellowship. God's love shone through this wonderful time!

April travels to Niger-The Heart Matters!

The calendar tells me that it is April....where has the time gone since our January adventures in Niger?  Rest assured I have not been idle but still absorbing and processing all that Paul and I experienced. Every trip that I make for CURE International requires preparation.....

Packing...shopping...preparing my home and family for my extended absences.....

 The most important preparations concern my heart! What are my motives for going to CURE Niger?
Are they God focused? Are they for self satisfaction/personal gain/comfort? Why go at all? Are there not more qualified nurses? Are there not folks who are more fluent in French than me? What is the driving force that encourages me to keep on keeping on?

Although not perfect, my motive for going is LOVE......love for God, love for the CURE patients and caregivers, love for the CURE staff, love for Nigerien people, love for Africa...

Deuteronomy 6:5 tells me to love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul and with all  my strength ....how will I do that? What does that mean? My understanding is that I am commanded to love God with all of my intentions or effort.

I am called to love God as I remember all that He has faithfully done for me.

I am called to love God by intentionally obeying Him.

I am called to love God by being consumed by Him and His ways.

I am called to love God by loving my enemies....by loving the unlovely....by loving those who cannot return my love or choose not to respond to my love for them.

This is a tall order! It is not possible to love this deeply or completely without God's help and strength.

This journey to CURE  I would like to meditate and contemplate the love of God:

Looking for God's love in unexpected places

Listening for God's love in conversations with hospital staff, patients and caregivers

Looking for God's love in everyday, extraordinary and even ordinary things

Perhaps by the journey's end, I will have a richer and deeper love for God and appreciation of all that He has done for me? Oh, I hope so!!

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we night live through Him. 

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. 

1 John 4:9-12 

Niger Adventures: An Amazing start to 2015

But since we belong to the day, let us be self controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,  just as in fact you are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

 

                            

When we were called by the LORD to go to Niger, Paul and I imagined that we would be taking care of dear little ones like this girl. She was born with a cleft which has been beautifully repaired. Never, did we imagine that we would witness the violence to the churches, homes and orphanages. The shock waves that rippled throughout Niamey, particularly touched many staff at CURE Niger. We have many stories to tell for those who have time and interest to hear....but not on the blog. We have more medical pictures and stories too but wanted to share this special aspect of our time. We feel that we were given the privilege of being with our brothers and sisters during a time of persecution and testing. How complacent we have become in our comfortable churches and communities in the USA!
We long to return and come alongside in solidarity to encourage and support. We will never be the same again! And that is a good thing!

Staff morning devotions were blessed with Paul's leading in worship....he loved encouraging young Christian musicians on staff.

Brian Van Hall (our CURE Niger Executive Director) and Josh Korn (one of our Spiritual Directors) encouraged and blessed us with scriptures to encourage in the aftermath of violence in Niger against Christian churches.

In typical African fashion, speeches must be made by all....Paul spoke in French and English to the delight of the staff!

The staff eagerly await the 'cadeau' from the USA that Paul and I brought. They were beautiful briefcases with the CURE logo....donated by Richard and Brenda Divito (Paul's publisher and wife).

Everyone wanted their picture taken with Paul...here is Djimilla one of the OR nurses.

Paul and Amadou, a nurse anesthesia trainee...

Paul and Clarisse, one of the OR nurses

Paul and Djbil, our sterilization tech.....I call him my Professor of Folding (he loves to show he how to fold the drapes for the surgical packs)

Paul and Dr. Shabani, the anesthesiologist at CURE Niger...they worked well together!

Elodie, the nurse manager and myself...she is a precious sister in Christ! We work well together.

OK, there has to be a goofy pose.......Issafu in the middle is the real joker!

This dear sister is the house mother for our hostel for long stay patients....her story is amazing! I will save it for a presentation later in our home or church.

Fattie (that is her real name....I think it is a form of Fatima, a popular name in these parts) she is a trainee at the hospital. We look forward to working together on my next visit.

Elodie and Paul asking for requests at our praise and prayer time. We had no idea that this trip would be about solidarity and encouragement to the staff even more that for the patients. God always had a good plan and purpose to bring honor to His name!