Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The Other Side

We struggle (are struggling) to raise financial support for serving here.  One of the biggest barriers we face is that we are not 'traditional' missionaries.  We don't live in mud huts, translate the bible, plant churches, or pass out bible tracts.  We are a hospital ship.  But I'm not a doctor.  Or a nurse.  Or an anesthesiologist.  I don't directly change the lives of patients.  My department and I provide services that allow for an environment in which those surgeries can take place.  Frankly, they couldn't really happen without us.  We also minister directly in very real ways, everyday, to both the crew and day volunteers.  But as I was thinking about all of that and how difficult it is to communicate how Dara, the kids, and I play integral roles in what we do and how frustrating it is to know that I don't always do a good job of finding ways to communicate it, I remembered something.

There are hundreds of people on the 'other side' who are even more non-traditional missionaries, who have an even more difficult time raising support, and who, at least to some extent, struggle with personal feelings of disconnectedness with what is going on here on the ship and, perhaps, sometimes wonder if what they do really matters.  It does.  We could not be here without them.  The poorest of the poor would not receive hope and healing without them.  They are truly the unsung heroes of the kingdom of God and what He is at work doing here in West Africa.  They are the staff of the Mercy Ships International Operations Center in Texas.  If any of them are reading this blog I want you to know how much my family and I value you and how essential you are to the successfully achieving the mission of Mercy Ships (and therefore the mission of God).  The same goes for all of you working in Mercy Ships National Offices around the globe.  You are storing up immeasurable treasures in heaven and you will undoubtedly hear the tender voice of the Lord saying to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant". 

Please also accept from the Koontz family, on behalf of the crew of the Africa Mercy (I don't think they'll mind my taking this liberty), a heartfelt thanks for being who you are; for your friendship, your commitment, your support, and the example of humility in service that you set. 

1 comment:

  1. Neil A. Louwrens, MBChB MD LMCC FACPApril 27, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    I was privileged to be the Crew Physician in April of 2010 aboard the M/V Africa Mercy in Togo, West Africa, and observed first hand the contributions of Peter to the entire well being of the ship community. Let me make it very very clear to all who read this blog: the role of the support staff in the execution of the ongoing mission of the M/V Africa Mercy, and therefore by direct implication, the whole Mercy Ships as an organization, is entirely, and inextricably dependent on the efficient functioning of the support services such as that which Peter provides. I have worked alongside Peter, as Crew Physician, in efforts on board to curb transmissible diseases to crew members from local volunteers and he was very responsive to the solutions offered. Correction. He was 'immediately' responsive, and through his leadership, aided by the Captain, instituted sweeping (literally) measures that brought about beneficial and tangible change, ensuring a continued healthy (and well fed!), and happy crew.
    It is true that the medical team tends to 'steal the show', but that is inherently important to the 'face value' of the organization and is tied to its needs to illicit the support of the world to continue it's ministry. But we know as believers, that you don't judge a book by its cover, and that behind the scenes are the true heroes. Peter, and his supportive family, are sone of those unsung heroes, and I would ask that you seriously consider supporting him financially as he and his beautiful family serve on your behalf, and His behalf, in a foreign world of heartache and pain. Thank you for your support, and may God bless you and your family!

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