Randy’s June, 2010 Update
“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.”
Proverbs 22:9
Would You?:
Would you consider going to one of the poorest, most dangerous countries in the world to serve people you don’t know?
They Would!:
Two of the women I spiritually mentor are doing just that. They recently embarked on a one-month and a two-month humanitarian trip to one of the poorest and most dangerous countries in the world – in Africa.
They will be joining Scotty, another Legacy Shepherding mentoree, who has chosen to live in that country long-term, providing long-term humanitarian work, and hopefully creating opportunities for on-going dialogue and relational connection between our two worlds (See my previous blog on Scotty’s initial trip. It’s fascinating!).
Randi Bahnick’s One Month Trip:
“I have been working in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago for the past two years. I have loved every day I’ve spent there and have been privileged to have learned so much from all the joyful, sorrowful and challenging daily experiences.
“An opportunity was presented to me to travel to Africa to volunteer my nursing skills at a maternity and children’s hospital. After much prayer for direction, I decided to accept this opportunity, to provide nursing care to women and children.
“The health of the people in the country where I’ll be serving is among the worst in Africa, with one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world!
“By volunteering at this hospital, I will not only be taking care of patients in the maternity and pediatric units, but will also be teaching and training nursing students so that they will be equipped to continue providing safe and effective care in their country, after I return home.
“It is simply amazing! Obviously, I love working with kids and I originally went to nursing school to be a labor and delivery nurse, so this opportunity immediately pulled at my heart. I don’t think I’ve been this excited about something in a while.” – Randi
Charity Thompson’s Two Month Trip:
“While in Africa, I will primarily be helping launch a non-profit organization. The non-profit’s goal is to connect people around the world to the stories of individuals and communities of this particular country in Africa; allowing for a tangible way to be involved and make a difference. The hope is that hearts will be touched and lives transformed on both sides of the world.
“Specifically, I will be involved in assessing the work of a 70 year-old woman who, twenty years ago, decided to make a difference by rescuing a baby from a garbage heap. She took him home and raised him as her own. Since then, she has rescued and raised over 200 children and started 6 schools for children who are too poor to otherwise attend one.”
This woman currently has around 23 children living with her. She does it all without government help, which she refuses due to the corruption she has seen there.
“Even though she has accomplished so much, there’s so much more that could be done with outside assistance. I’ll be looking for the most effective ways we can help.
“I’ll also be brainstorming other programs for the non-profit, taking language courses, hopefully helping out at a local orphanage that desperately needs assistance, as well as probably falling in love with the children of Africa.
“I’m most excited about the opportunity to share God’s love.” – Charity
Prayer Requests:
Randi and Charity would ask for your prayers:
“Please pray for our travels, our role of helping the African people with our skills and compassion, and for the impactGod wants to have on us and through us. Pray that God moves in the hearts of His people in Africa. And lastly please pray for our safety.” – Randi
Charity and Randi will have to wear floor length garments and head coverings while there, and won’t be allowed to interact with the men of the country.
They could use your prayers throughout the next two months.
I’ll most likely give you an update after they return.
Thank You:
Thank You:
Thank you for holding these precious ones up in prayer…including Scotty! I’m sure this is going to be a transformational experience for all.
In His Love,
Randy
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