Team Reflections

By Eva Rhoades


     About six months ago, I felt a strong calling to apply for the Medical Mission trip to Mali. Many people asked and wondered what I, as a non-medical team member would do.  It was difficult for me not to be able to answer them. Before the trip, there were times I felt inferior to the other team members due to their training in the medical field and their "assurance" of what they would be doing on the trip.  Doubting myself, I, at times, allowed Satan to creep into my thoughts and discourage me.  However, I still felt a strong calling and desire to be a member of this team.  Thank goodness God is bigger than me!  


     I have had multiple opportunities to be of use on the trip.  However, it is not what I have been able to do for the Malians or my teammates that have made the biggest impression, been the most influential and most heart-changing for me.  It has been seeing the faith of the Malians and pastors here...who need and trust Jesus for everything.  They know He is in control.  Coming from a culture where we don't have to have faith that God will provide food, shelter and an income, I selfishly think that I am in control and can take care of myself and my needs.  Obviously, this is far from the truth! I am grateful to God and His people for reminding me of this. 


     God has also been working on my heart in terms of my self worth.  Not being of the medical field has been a struggle for me at different times on this journey.  I, selfishly, want to feel worthy and needed.  God has been reminding me that in His eyes my works don't equal my worth.  I do not want to take away from my team members or the other doctors and nurses at the hospital, because what they do is amazing and they work tirelessly to serve others.  However, when God sees me, He sees Jesus!  I do not need to work for His approval.  I am not worthy, but Jesus is!  


     We have three more days in Mali before our journey back to the States.  I look forward to seeing what God has in store!