Helping MissionsReach Out by Giving
Many people in America complain about illness while they sit on tightly guarded wallets. They complain about doctors’ appointments disrupting their lives. They complain about the condition of our world or of people in other countries. They complain about their children getting sick and missing school, which may cause lost time from work.
Illnesses are known to transfer from one person to another, from one country to another. But the same people who complain so loudly will refuse to donate to missions that make it their business to help improve the conditions for everyone. Reducing the spread of illnesses involves much more than just washing one’s hands after blowing a stuffy nose. It also involves diagnosing, treating, and providing medical help across the globe.
Those of us who complain about the doctors’ appointments should experience the neglect in communities who have no doctors available. Those who complain about their children missing school or causing them to lose a day of work should sit one day with small children who have lost hope of recovery because there’s no money for medicine. Some mothers face devastation of losing their babies because they have no transportation to the far-away clinics. They have to watch each day as their child writhes in agony from the pain of illness, disease, or infection.
Medical help is one way our missions help to reduce illness, both in the United States and in other countries. If we help other countries, we also help reduce the illness brought to our own country. Funding for supplies, transportation, sustenance, clothing, and communication are ways donations help missions.
For those who complain about the condition of our world or of people in other countries, ask yourself what you’re doing to make it better. Action makes it happen. Donations create action. If these parents had healthier children or were healthier themselves, they could then focus on the necessary skills to provide for their families.
Missionaries with the Alliance have sent workers to spread medicines and hope to cholera patients. This is just one of the many missions that reach out to combat world-wide diseases and infections. This particular mission has done work in Pointe-Noir, Republic of Congo. Their workers don’t just toss out supplies and leave. They communicate with the patients, pray with them, and renew their will to live. Some of the patients they reached in time with the medications stayed to testify to new patients who were admitted.
Missions create loyal followers and shine a light in dark spirits so they can find peace and joy once again.