Fishers of Men

By Barbara Love, retired ABWE missionary

When Jesus was on earth He commanded us to be fishers of men, to draw them to Him. One of His own methods that certainly drew large crowds was that He healed people. Medicine today is still great "bait."

In October, 2003, a group of North American "fishers of men" went to Nicaragua to help the small missionary team there make new contacts. For eight days, we held simple clinics in schools, little churches, and believers' homes. We even used a school bus to house our suitcase-pharmacy.

We didn't charge for consultations or medicines, so we were always met by a crowd, eager to get their names on the list of those to be seen. A local believer, often a teacher, helped compile this list, taking addresses for later follow-up.

We two nurses checked blood pressures and pulses; then patients went to the history-takers, who first asked about physical complaints, then requested permission to inquire about the patient's spiritual condition. For the first three days the team members, with the help of translators, took turns doing this most important part of the process. This way of witnessing was a little awkward but God blessed our stammering efforts with some decisions. Later, nationals helped with this part.

The patients' next stop was with one of the four medical persons, who listened, prescribed, and then reinforced the Gospel message. The patients were assured that their response would in no way affect the treatment they received. Even so, some made life-changing decisions at this point. At our portable pharmacy, patients received medicines and written instructions packed in sandwich bags. Verbal instructions also were given to make sure they understood. Almost everyone left with a big smile and "Gracias" on their lips. Of course, maybe they were smiling at our rusty Spanish!

In those eight days of clinics we treated over a thousand people, half of them children and infants. Of the adults, some were already believers in the local churches. We were thrilled to record a total of 128 decisions for salvation - nearly half of all the unsaved adults we treated. A good number of others said they would like more information and would accept visits. At the conclusion of each day, the local pastors were given those names for follow up. Each pastor expressed his gratitude for such a boost to his ministries.

Who were we North American "fishermen?" The group that arrived in Managua came from four states and was made up of six men and five women. There were three medical doctors, a physician's assistant, a medical assistant, two nurses, a medical technologist, a businessman, a business lady, and the pastor of half of the group. While there, we also had valuable help from a couple of MKs (missionary kids) and a visiting missionary grandchild. These fishers of men represented a perfect blend and balance of personalities and abilities. Not all were medical people, but all came with willing hearts to be used in any way.

Could it be you, next time?

When Christ says, "I have need of someone. Who will go?" will you be standing at the front jumping up and down with your hand in the air begging, "Pick me, pick me!". . . .It means allowing yourself to be His arms as you hug the toothless, stoop-shouldered old woman, turning her countenance to a wide-mouthed grin. It means being His hands as you examine the ill. It means being His heart as you show love, mercy, and compassion to the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind. When Christ asks you to serve His feast, will you cry, "Pick me, pick me!" or will you make excuses and leave the task to someone else? -Karri Webb, who recently returned from a missions trip to Nicaragua with Jack Sorg, ABWE's International Director for Medical Ministries.

Check out ABWE's current short-term missions opportunities at www.abwe.org.

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