News from Mali, West Africa, Judy Miller

Hello from KY!

 

That’s right I’m out of the desert and into a snow bank. Well, the snow is gone now and only flurries are peppering my view. I like the change of scenery but not so crazy about this huge temperature difference. By Saturday night I’ll be back home in Bamako crying over the heat. It’s been reported to me that hot season has arrived in full swing and is waiting for me. I’m here in the states for an advanced training and a week vacation with my Mom.

 

Where do I start? First, a story. (I like stories)

15 years ago, a young lady went to Mali. Everyone thought her crazy leaving a good job and great friends. She worked with refugees and 29 young men were saved and then baptized. She never, ever forgot them. Never. 15 years later, she finds herself back in Mali. She’s now working on a big team, going in many directions, including the desert of all places. We had 4 translators going out with us on this medical trip and each one had to interviewed to be sure they understood the sensitivity of our work in this area and be sure they would respond appropriately. One of these men was reported to be scary, and some were concerned he was a spy. He was from the area where we were going though, so I wanted to give him a try. A friend and I met him for a soft drink a week before the team arrived to “vet” him. We arrived at the restaurant, sat down, ordered our drinks. He looks at me and says, “you don’t remember me do you?” Yes, he was one of the 29. His name is “Matthew”. He is one of about 44 believers of a huge unreached people group.

 

The last you heard of me, I was in the desert with our medical team from Westside Baptist Church in Gainesville, FL. Please give them a round of applause and thank them for me! …… What a tenacious group who willing left their comfort zones to serve in a difficult place. The team members are veterans though and took it in stride. The team all agreed they had never served patients though who were so sincerely appreciative. We received an amazing welcome every where we went. So many highlights, where do I begin? How about the 1550 people we treated that had never met a Christian before?

 

One village where we went was suggested by the local Minister of Health. The state had built a small medical facility in 2007, but the first patient had yet to be treated there due to no funding of medical personnel nor any medicines. We treated over 250 patients there. The community gave back though. Breakfast was delivered, chicken and French fries at 10 am, then soft drinks complete with ice. To the life of me, I can’t figure out where the ice came from! We were 1.5 hrs from the town where the hotel was, where the only electricity was. We were then brought a 2 course lunch but the icing on the cake was the live ram they presented to us! Keep in mind that ram is worth 3 months salary! And yes, I pulled my rope out from under the seat of the truck and we tied him up and brought him home. It was explained when a gift like that is given, protocol is to butcher and roast the animal. So we did. He was quite tasty, especially if you haven’t had bbq in a while! It was a highlight for our Floridians and we local folks as well.

 

The last patient on the last day will be etched on my mind for quite some time. She’s about 12 years old and had a bandage over a very swollen hand. She’d hurt a month earlier but hadn’t removed the bandage since. To say the least, it was in very bad shape. Our brave doctor performed minor surgery with a swiss army knife. We had local anesthesia and pain meds but it was still painful and difficult. I knew she thought we were cutting her hand off and she’d never like white people again but it was “a had” to case. Her option was to lose her hand or worse. God is so good though. Not only did he bring a qualified doctor 7,000 miles to take care of this 12 year old girl, someone of little value in this society, but He brought about a means to communicate with her as well. This young lady though born this community only spoke the language of her family. Her family was from a place in Mali about 12 hour drive away. The girl didn’t leave the house much and didn’t speak the widely spoken trade language nor a local dialect. Not an issue for the Lord. One of our four translators was from her neighboring village 12 hours away. Our God loves the forgotten, the non-valued and He orchestrates much to minister to these. The girl, Sarah, is reportedly doing much better now and has been reported smiling at her new white friends that come see her!

 

Thank you for praying that we would see God perform miracles. Some days I pinch myself not believing what I see with my own eyes.

I pinch myself as I worked with Matthew that week. He became the star of the show. He glorified His Savior in so many ways as he ministered to sick, hurting people. He was their speaker as he related 3 different languages back to the Americans. It was so great to see him blossom as he realized his potential for His Savior.

 

Please pray for this village that gave us the Ram, the little girl we’ll call Sarah and Matthew as he grows in his faith.

The Lord was glorified during the days of the medical clinic. We have many opportunities to return to these areas and share more of the Jesus Road.

Thank you for praying and helping those doors to open! Thank you Westside Baptist for providing that platform!

 

Peace, love and stories,

Judy