Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Why I'm Glad To Have Malaria

In April, 2012, I was bitten by a mosquito in South Sudan that carried with it a little parasite called Malaria. That little parasite multiplied and found its way into my red blood cells. Over time it exploded the red blood cell and the broken red blood cells started clogging up my arterial plumbing and my body became anemic as I did not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to my body. If the disease had been allowed to go unchecked for another week, I would have died...the end.

During my trip to South Sudan I visited the hospital in Lui. We were allowed to go into the infirmary and witness first hand the suffering and death as a result of Malaria and other diseases. To be honest, I tried to understand their plight but I had no context for their suffering. I had no idea what we could do or how we could help the situation. But of course...I ended up with Malaria.

I believe I contracted Malaria so I would go back to South Sudan and help. I believe God gave me Malaria so I would do something about the suffering in the villages of Kalalayi and Buagyi. So go I will. My hope is to return to South Sudan with 1000 mosquito nets, the best deterrent for Malaria. I would like to provide training and medication for the local clinic and hospital.

I now have a context for this disease and the suffering that goes along with it. I now have a role to play in the corner of the earth that God has given us to serve. It may be a bit scary to go back to a place that just about killed me, but I have full confidence in my God, who gave me the disease, to see his ministry to fulfillment.

Galatians 6:2
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.



1 comment:

Nancy H said...

Did you hear they have just developed a vaccine for malaria that works? The Navy is trying it; need several treatments- sort of like we did with polio when it first came out.