Our Health Problems

      One of the goals of these mission trips is to relieve the sick through prayer and through the administration of simple medicines and kindly care.  So it was with some difficulty that we found ourselves being the recipients of this care, both in the Ukraine and in India for a month of ministry. Not that we are above being sick or too proud to let them care for us but the anxiety it causes them is to difficult on our souls. Pastor Gene became ill with an intestinal bug almost as soon as we arrived in the Ukraine. In fact, he threw up most of the way across the Atlantic. He was able to keep up with most of the schedule, but spent some time sick in bed, with no appetite. We were very concerned about going on into India like this, but Gene was committed to go all the way. He was still in pretty tough shape by the time we were ready to leave, but once he got to the warm weather, he became much better.

     Ron was also hampered by some kind of digestive problems, but kept going each day. While my digestive system remained in good condition, I had contracted a very itchy case of impetigo on my legs and arms.  I noticed the same rash on the little girl who stayed in our house. I must have been using her blankets.

    After a month of travel and ministry we returned to the States and both Ron and  Gene became bed-ridden for about a week. When this did not seem to help, they both became hospitalized. They were being tested for a number of infectious diseases that could cause high fever, chills, headache and debilitating weakness.  Ron was in isolation in a Brooklyn hospital and Gene had been admitted to the Contagious Disease Center in Rochester. Finally, just before his kidneys shut down, he was diagnosed as having malaria. Ron was not diagnosed with malaria, but was given the treatment just in case. It took effect after a few days. Both spent almost a week in the hospital.

     I came home feeling pretty good. Other than the usual fatigue from extensive ministry and travel, I felt fine. Then, after almost a week of being home, I knew that there was something wrong in my system. I had caught a chill while out walking with Heather, which led to feeling weak and feverish.  There had been various flu strains going around, so I held out hope that this was all it was. After a day or two, I realized that my symptoms matched the symptoms of malaria, which can only be transmitted by mosquitoes from a semi-tropical place. I was scheduled to do a seminar near Buffalo, New York on the day that these symptoms really kicked in. I managed to travel there and got through the Friday night meeting. Having to teach all day Saturday was a struggle, but God used me in spite of my weakness. The hosts of the home where Heather and I were staying had graciously planned a dinner party for us on Saturday night. I was not a very good guest, as I could not eat the wonderful meal they had prepared for us, nor enjoy the company they had invited.  I went to bed before supper was over, wondering if I shouldn't check myself into the hospital. Heather encouraged me to keep trusting the Lord for healing, not only because it would be expensive to spend a week in the hospital to be tested and treated for malaria, but because it was part of a promise God had given to us in the past. As I lay there in bed, I began to pray to the Lord, telling Him that I would rest in His promises. I said, "Lord, You said that if I acknowledged You, You would direct our paths. I acknowledge You now. Please lead me out of this condition?" Immediately, I felt His closeness and comfort. He encouraged me to begin by offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving.  I did this aloud and with a growing sense of joy. After all, I had many things to be grateful for.  As I did this, my head suddenly cleared. Heather had been having a hard time taking my temperature because I was unable to breathe through my nose.  Now it was clear. I also felt strengthened enough to get dressed and go downstairs. Everyone seemed surprised to see me. One of the dinner guests was a doctor who attended a Mennonite church. He decided to go home to get his medical books in order to diagnose me and try to get a prescription filled that night. Malaria medicine is not something readily available in most pharmacies and it is not in much demand in Buffalo, New York. As they looked over the lists of treatments, our host announced that he had the very medicine we needed.  He often traveled to Africa on business several times, and had ordered some malaria medicine to take prophylactically, in the event that he needed. Sure enough, his prescription matched what the medical books said was required to kill the malaria disease.  Our doctor friend conferred with some other Christian doctors on the phone who were also very willing to help us. One even offered to come over to take my blood so it could be tested for malaria. We decided to take the pills and I felt better almost immediately. The fever broke and the chills never returned.

     Although I was still weak and struggling with an unrelated bronchial problem, I was able to sleep that night and keep my commitment to teach in the two morning services the next day. It causes me to marvel when I think that within thirty minutes of acknowledging the Lord, He led me out of this condition through the generosity and care of His Body. I have often wondered since, how many homes in the Buffalo area would have had the very medicine needed to kill the specific strain of malaria in my system. Hallelujah!!  Both Gene and Ron also praise the Lord for the care they received and for the intervention of the Lord on their behalf. 

2003 Copyright. This material is the creative property of Penn Clark