Our Medical Team Returns to Jericho!

In March, our partner, Seeds of Hope, welcomed their first global(x) medical team since 2019! We typically send a team every year to serve patients in Jericho, but this was the first year they’ve been able to return since the pandemic.

In just four days, the team saw over 300 patients, from infants to the elderly, with a range of ailments and issues that are difficult to find care for in their community.

One young mother visited with her infant son who had been severely burned in an accident. Trying to find help for her child and understand his diagnosis, she’d seen doctor after doctor in and around Jericho. She was overwhelmed by the often contradictory information she received and the lack of access to specialists. As a last resort, she visited the Seeds of Hope clinic and met with one of the pediatricians on the team. While her son’s prognosis was difficult to hear, she found comfort in finally understanding his condition and what she could do to help him. Leaving with concrete information, helpful advice, and prayers of encouragement, her spirits were lifted as she found hope.

This is just one reason the opportunity to work alongside Seeds of Hope in their medical clinic is so special. Not only do people receive necessary medical care, but our teams are able to address their emotional and spiritual well-being too.

That’s exactly what happened when G. walked into the clinic. No one knew how heavy her heart and mind were. As Dr. Dan from the global(x) medical team and S., the translator who accompanied him, began to talk with G., it was clear there was more going on than met the eye. Seeds of Hope often hears that visitors who arrive at the clinic feel the love and acceptance of the volunteers and trust in the confidentiality of the team, and it allows them to open up. This was certainly true of G.

After a few questions, G. broke down in tears and began to unpack years of burden. Her self-esteem had declined over the years, especially after having her three children. She was overweight but, more importantly, entirely overwhelmed by the negative comments of the people around her and the negative thoughts that had taken root in her own mind. She was depressed, had no confidence, and felt like she had no hope of changing her mind or body. She had carried these feelings for years with no one to talk with and nowhere to find encouragement. She felt judged by the comments family and friends would make about her weight and appearance.

In the midst of her tears, S. offered to pray with G., and G. agreed. As S. and Dr. Dan took time to speak truth and love into her life, G.’s walls began to come down. She found acceptance, peace, and hope through their prayers. S. was able to share with her about the true peace and comfort that can be found in Jesus. Dr. Dan gave her guidance and encouragement and offered steps she could take to improve her mental and physical health. And, Seeds of Hope became a safe place where she knew she was accepted without judgment.

Each time we come alongside Seeds of Hope and volunteer to serve in their medical clinic, it expands their influence and impact in the community. And, what a blessing it is that, while patients come to Seeds of Hope for help with their physical needs, we know we can help serve their emotional and spiritual needs as well.