NTM

A call came over the radio. A tribal man of 30 had been vomiting blood for over a week and was now to weak to even stand. Medical attention was needed now. Could we help? 

First thing the next morning, the helicopter was ready for departure.  I was asked to accompany to evaluate the patient and accompany him back to the hospital in our town. Bryan bravely volunteered to watch the kids so I could do this.

The one hour and half flight flew by quickly as I prepared my medical equipment and was briefed by the pilot on the procedures. As soon as we landed, I headed for the man’s home and assessed him. Very weak, he was at least able to eat now, but in significant pain. His abdomen was solid as a rock and I feared the worse – internal bleeding or liver complications. After ensuring he was stable, he was carried to the helicopter and straped to the stretcher. Throughout the flight back to town, I frequently assessed his condition – each evaluation brought the same result – stable, but really sick.

Upon arrival at the hanger, a fellow co-worker had his truck ready. Bryan and company loaded the man into the truck and we headed for the hospital. Upon admission, the doctor quickly assessed him. Afterwards he inquired as to where this man lived. Aware that this man’s village was over 4 days drive from this hospital, the doctor shook his head and simply said, “Had he tried to drive, he would not have made it.”

A routine and vital part of our flight ministry is medical evacuations such as these. Just as with this man, physical lives are often saved thanks to the condensed amount of travel time.  Each life is precious, so when the seconds count, we thank the Lord for the tools of aviation and medicine which are available to save lives physically, and hopefully spiritually, as well!

Drew playing with the Wana kiddoes

Last week, the kids and I had the opportunity to take a day trip out to one of our existing tribal works. Originally, I was not very excited as life had been a bit overwhelming with raising kids, piano lessons, hostessing, daily flight following, etc… but the flight was needed to bring our friend out anyway, so we “tagged” along. 

After being dropped off, it was an eerie feeling as we stood amid the tribal people and watched the helicopter fly away. Definitely gave me a better understanding of what our tribal church planters and translators experience.

Kayla enjoying the river

From there, we received a tour of the tribe. Andrew loved running through the grass, climbing trees, playing in the river and laughing with the kids (that is the same in every language) and of course, Kayla was passed around like a doll. Yet as we walked around and I attempted to engage in conversation with these sweet people, there were but a few that were actually able to talk with me. The majority – old and young alike - only spoke their tribal language and I was reminded of why we do what we do.  (more…)