Written by Marqueta from the Eastgate Team
Life in the trenches is basically synonymous with fighting a battle in a grueling environment, referencing the plight of soldiers on the front lines during WW1. In contemporary jargon, it has been watered down to refer to anything, really, such as the daily grind in the workplace.
But, for me, it has taken on more of it’s original meaning when I recently was privileged to serve with those who are literally on the front lines, everyday. In particular, I refer to the medical workers and volunteers at In Deed and Truth Ministries.
Firstly, the area is remote, which greatly impedes and limits provision of medications, supplies, and equipment. Secondly, the climate literally is an incubus for any number of diseases, the most prevalent being malaria. Then there are the indigenous species of wildlife, not just mosquitoes, but snakes and scorpions, to name a few, that can cause bodily harm requiring urgent medical care.
But, and this is the truly amazing part of the equation, these servants continue to fight the battle with incredible fortitude, optimism, and even joy. Instead of bemoaning the disparities that arise daily, they endeavor to attack the problem from different angles as a team.
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Tom Randles. He spends many hours at the small clinic. He has a very common sense approach and the goal of stamping out malaria one patient at a time. Untreated malaria is merciless, culminating in convulsions and death.
I was shocked, initially at the number of patients that came in with early malaria symptoms, and saddened at the sight of others, seemingly beyond the point of return, with severe malaria symptoms. But, with medication and observation, at their small inpatient area, it was rewarding to see once listless babies eating again and able to hold up their heads, with eventual discharge.
Lest you get the impression that this is some kind of clinic with modern conveniences, let me provide a more accurate picture. The clinic itself is small, with only 4 rooms and 4 exam tables, one of which is for birthing, staffed with Annie Nduati, the midwife, who is there around the clock delivering little ones with Sham Musyoki. Another room is for wound care, injections, small surgery, and teeth pulling. That leaves 2 provider exam rooms, of which, Dr. Tom Randles and Dennis Wa Andayi, PA, provide care.
There is no air conditioning and recall that this is equator country-it is stifling hot. Insects are always prevalent, even during suturing, flies are hovering trying to land. Benches are lined up on the front porch with as many as 70 or more patients awaiting care in the mornings, with more en-route. The inpatient area is little more than a small one room building with about 7 beds, and no conveniences. The observation area is a concrete back porch with benches and a few mattresses on the ground.
Seemingly primitive, the quality of care exceeds it’s setting. In fact, even with the limitations, healthcare needs are met. However, they desperately need help. While I was there, medications had been depleted for tinea (ringworm) and certain antibiotics went out of stock. Pritty Alumasa does an amazing job in the pharmacy and keeps the staff updated on what is available.
The spiritual concerns are not neglected. Every morning a message is given to those waiting so they may know the giver of true life, Jesus. After treatment, they are prayed with again. Many of the staff and volunteers pray with the patients, and encourage them. It is an oasis, not only for physical aid, but for spiritual truth.
These that are in the trenches desperately need our support. Unfortunately, many brave men on the front in WW1, lost their lives as the constraints of war severed their support. We have the opportunity and the wherewithal to help and are not encumbered by a physical war here or in Tonj. There is a spiritual war, however, that if succumbed to, may result in physical and spiritual losses. Your help may save a life now and for eternity.
- The new clinic will address many of the present concerns regarding limited space and adequate working conditions; however, the labor to complete the building and provision of it are ongoing. Medical equipment and supplies are costly, complicated, further still, by the logistics of transporting items to Tonj.
- Dr. Tom Randles is wholly supported by donations. A committed monthly support will help to alleviate him of the onus of obtaining this for himself. He’s not very good at that anyway, being reticent to ask. Rather, he should be free to do the thing our Father has burdened his heart for, and that is to serve the people of South Sudan through medicine.
- Pray for the staff and volunteers daily. I mentioned a few in the blog, please pray for them, but the work is big and there are so many that compliment the team including pastors, translators, nursing staff, and I would like you to know their names: Albino, Andrew, Dorothy, Gabriel, Issac, James, Joseph, Martin, Peter, Rebecca, Santo, Santos, Sam, Judah and the other Joseph and James Issac.
- Pray also for Sabet and Suzy, and their family, who are immersed in every aspect of the ministry daily, that God would continue to guide and strengthen them with His wisdom and love.
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth.” – 1 John 3:18
