DR. PAT CALLISON
This trip started out with all of my dental equipment, except my dental chair, being confiscated in Chiang Mai. It was a very frustrating and angering experience. We went to the Karen State, Burma first with the Karen Burmese Liberation Army guiding and protecting us. On the way there, I was able to buy syringes, needles and gauze from pharmacies. I also bought some screwdrivers to use for extractions with modification by filing. I was able to pick up 5 forceps left by another dentist and I convinced an ER doctor to sell me some anesthetic. Without that, I could not have done anything. We were able to set up a clinic at a temporary sanctuary for refugees who were driven from their homes while being guarded by the DKBA and KNLA in surrounding fields. We were able to accomplish a goal I’d had for 5-6 years to go to Burma in defiance of evil dictators and bring some relief to a ravaged people who only ask for the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which I believe God wants for all individuals.
I learned 3 lessons during this mission trip.
1. If you are on a mission and it’s started by following God’s will, He will help open doors, remove obstacles, provide tools and straighten the path for you to accomplish the tasks required. He wants you to obey His request.
2. We worked in a Buddhist temple. What a welcome gesture of goodwill from one faith to another. I think that interaction could only enhance the image the Buddhist have of who Christians are, about the love and concern Christians can show to suffering people and perhaps encourage them to investigate our faith more.
3. My friend Patti finally and joyfully accepted Jesus as her Savior. I am so happy that she has a friend, a guide and a helpmate, Jesus, and the assurance of joyful existence for eternity under His care.
I believe the prayers of those from our church were fundamental in powering the success of my mission to Burma and the other missions of the Clare team. I would encourage all, when called by God to minister to the lost, the pained, the broken hearted, those suffering, those oppressed and near hopelessness, to step up and out of your comfort zone to help, here or abroad, to make their life easier. It will change you and bring you joy.
This trip started out with all of my dental equipment, except my dental chair, being confiscated in Chiang Mai. It was a very frustrating and angering experience. We went to the Karen State, Burma first with the Karen Burmese Liberation Army guiding and protecting us. On the way there, I was able to buy syringes, needles and gauze from pharmacies. I also bought some screwdrivers to use for extractions with modification by filing. I was able to pick up 5 forceps left by another dentist and I convinced an ER doctor to sell me some anesthetic. Without that, I could not have done anything. We were able to set up a clinic at a temporary sanctuary for refugees who were driven from their homes while being guarded by the DKBA and KNLA in surrounding fields. We were able to accomplish a goal I’d had for 5-6 years to go to Burma in defiance of evil dictators and bring some relief to a ravaged people who only ask for the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which I believe God wants for all individuals.
I learned 3 lessons during this mission trip.
1. If you are on a mission and it’s started by following God’s will, He will help open doors, remove obstacles, provide tools and straighten the path for you to accomplish the tasks required. He wants you to obey His request.
2. We worked in a Buddhist temple. What a welcome gesture of goodwill from one faith to another. I think that interaction could only enhance the image the Buddhist have of who Christians are, about the love and concern Christians can show to suffering people and perhaps encourage them to investigate our faith more.
3. My friend Patti finally and joyfully accepted Jesus as her Savior. I am so happy that she has a friend, a guide and a helpmate, Jesus, and the assurance of joyful existence for eternity under His care.
I believe the prayers of those from our church were fundamental in powering the success of my mission to Burma and the other missions of the Clare team. I would encourage all, when called by God to minister to the lost, the pained, the broken hearted, those suffering, those oppressed and near hopelessness, to step up and out of your comfort zone to help, here or abroad, to make their life easier. It will change you and bring you joy.
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