Are You A Frog?

God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that crawls upon the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.  Genesis 1:25

In Genesis we learn about God’s creation, everything from the formless void becoming earth and sky, to animals, to mankind. We often use animals as metaphors. Sly as a fox. Big as an elephant. Happy as a pig in mud. The one we love to think about is the butterfly. The whole larvae, cocoon, winged beauty thing is appealing. New birth, new life, triumph. Good stuff. God stuff.

I know of no one who longs to be an amphibian, say, a frog. There’s nothing wrong with frogs; God made them and saw that they were good. If good enough for the Lord, then okay.

But think about frogs. We all have heard the story. If a frog is in a kettle of tepid water, it sits. As the temperature of the water rises gradually, the frog doesn’t notice and stays in the water. In fact, it will stay there until it dies—never noticing the subtle changes until it’s too late.

Are you a frog? Many people today seem to be willing to sit through the subtle changes sin continually brings to our society and our world. A frog is not inherently bad. But if, instead of sitting on the lily pad snapping up insects and singing a song to the stars it wallows in the heat, it will never be of any use. We must aspire to more.

There are endless ways to begin, small steps, big steps, gigantic leaps. If we are open to where God is calling us—and are willing to answer—there might be some heat, but only through the fire of the Holy Spirit. Any gift can be used. I know a guy who teaches yo-yo tricks to a kids’ club. He has raised over $20,000 for local charities. With a yoyo. He also plays the ukulele. Who knows where God will take that?

SEAPC has been blessed with so many saints who have answered God’s call. They serve in places all around the world. Dan and Zoe Anna Shorthouse are making a difference in Cambodia. Zoe Anna’s background in the medical field is leading young women to pursue nurses’ training under her guidance. Hector Zetino, touched by the need of young people in a difficult environment in Guatemala City, has launched a ministry to serve both physical and spiritual needs of at-risk youth. Carol Missik cares for souls in Mexico and Central America. These and so many more live and serve long-term.

But serving doesn\’t have to be a call to uproot one’s life, sell everything, and move to a foreign country forever. Short-term mission trips are of tremendous benefit. And short-term medical mission trips accomplish so much for people and for the Lord.

What is a medical mission? Who can go? How can different skill sets be used? Why do it? Why spend the money? Does anything really change? How can it happen without labs and tests? These are a few questions asked when a medical team is being assembled. I am happy to address any and all questions: laurel@seapc.org. Or over coffee (tea for me), on the phone, or any other venue. Because this is an area of true passion for me—and of true need. Led by the final words of Jesus before he ascended into heaven in Mark 16:18: …they will place their hands on sick people and they will be healed, SEAPC sends out medical practitioners to serve.

On a medical mission, the medical component is a way to get people in so that they can receive prayer and be introduced to Jesus. Staffing of a team may thus include physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, and related disciplines, as well as prayer partners. In this way, every patient not only receives physical treatment, but also spiritual care. People are needed for crowd control, registration, errands, and pharmacy.

As SEAPC seeks to grow its healthcare platform, medical personnel are being sought. In clinics we provide basic examinations, with treatment based on history and symptoms. Appropriate medications are provided free of charge along with patient teaching. Nurses do triage. Doctors do exams. It’s a simple process carried out most often in rural areas where there is little to no access to healthcare. Trips are usually seven to ten days. The cost estimate is airfare plus $100.00 per day for lodging, food, and in-country transportation.

Camaraderie is high on a medical trip. We have fun, are inspired, and have seen true miracles through prayer. Cataracts have disappeared. Heart murmurs healed. Shoulders mended. Most trips include from a few hours to a day of rest and relaxation at the end of the trip, a time to pack, shop, and debrief. Once on a medical trip together, we are bonded for life. It is intoxicating—in the best possible way. And the results are incredible. On a recent trip to Haiti, two nurses and one doctor saw 600 patients in three and one-half days of clinic!

Your gifts and skills can be used, no matter what they are. God knows how to put everyone to work for the Kingdom. Relationships are built at the local level that make friends from all over the world, a tight knit group of believers that continue to shepherd the flock long after the medical team goes home. Yes, money could be sent for medicine. But getting to know fellow believers and to share the gospel is a one-on-one endeavor that accomplishes so much more than a pill.

It is likely that many patients do not refill prescriptions for blood pressure medicine or diabetic supplies. But they know what they need, and—most important— they meet Jesus. Acute injuries, infections, and other issues are resolved. And teaching on diet, lifestyle, and wellness builds healthier lives going forward.

Your time and treasures are valuable. Getting off work, taking money from savings, finding child care or a kennel, stepping out of your comfort zone—none of these things are easy. Your medical specialty may be radiology, but you find yourself doing the first well-child exam since med school. It’s okay! We are all there to support one another. And the Holy Spirit makes sure that we are able to give our best. When He calls us, he truly does equip us!

So, the question remains. Are you a frog? Are you sitting in the tepid water as it heats up, feeling the call of the Holy Spirit but not responding? It’s always easier to go with the status quo, to be comfortable, to avoid jumping out of the kettle. But the pathway of life, although not always easy, is the most fulfilling and God-honoring road to travel. Even if you end up in hot water.