The team gathered at the water line of a Fly River village, bags packed after a big day; in fact, the last patrol clinic day of 2023. As they waited to load a boat and head back to their base, a man appeared, walking gingerly but eagerly toward them. He approached one of the team and quietly asked, “Do you have glasses?”
It so happened that this mobile team had been able to pack a reading glasses kit along with their health education and mother and child health clinic supplies. They had set up during the day and seen a good number of people; all who had presented. So far.
Where had this man been earlier? That question went unspoken but his earnest request and the commitment of the team to serve with all they had, right to the last, combined to create a special closing moment of 2023 on that beach.
The team leader, Venaunama Aiga Kila (Central), pulled out a screening chart and deck hand / clinic assistant, Jacob Wap (Western Highlands), supported the man as he attempted to read the top, big print line.
“At first I thought, this man is illiterate. He couldn’t make out the top line at all. I was quite sad for him”, Jacob recalls.
But then Venau dug into a clinic pack and selected some trial spectacles.
“He put them on and a big smile came right across his face. He started reading and reading and went all the way to the smallest line on the chart! I was amazed. And he was so happy. It was a transformation. Like a deliverance from being as good as blinded to seeing again!”
Venau and Jacob and the rest of the team eventually loaded their boat and left the village with weary bodies but full hearts. There is more work to be done in 2024 but this final patient of 2023 powerfully symbolises the hope that can be born as men and women from different walks of life persevere together to make a difference. A glimpse of good tidings of great joy!
If you would like to play a part in this ongoing work, opportunities for all kinds of people to donate, volunteer and pray can be found at www.ywamships.org
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