Voice Box: pray for Doma's Ethiopia team

October 27, 2009

pray for Doma's Ethiopia team

Doma is sending the Uganda medical team to Ethiopia. They leave on Thursday. There have been numerous challenges with the logistics of this trip-- mainly because we had to make a last-minute decision given the political unrest, violence, and arrests in Uganda's capital in early September.

Please pray that everything goes well in-country. The team will be experiencing extreme temperatures. Sometimes in the 80's or 90's, sometimes below freezing. They were told to bring long johns. And they will have to walk HOURS to get to one clinic- with their heavy medical equipment and medicine etc. (On a thankful note, we had several thousand dollars donated for the medicine necessary for this trip-- thanks to Amber's hard work-- I think over $2000 cash got over $15000 in medicine again!)

Specifically, our Ethiopian host, Alli, writes this:

Prayer. I don’t want to withhold info because it sounds daunting, so I’ll dish it out in the form of prayer requests….things you guys can pray about now, and then it won’t be a problem later. Road safety is a big one here that could use some prayer…there are, indeed, more accidents per vehicle in Ethiopia than any other country, mostly because nothing is ever enforced, so people drive like maniacs. I’ve seen accidents here, and been a de facto EMT for road victims, but have never been in one myself. Also, the altitude can affect people, usually in terms of shortage of breath or some dizziness the first couple days, usually compounded by jet lag. If you take it easy, rest when you can, and intentionally do some deep breathing to keep the oxygen going, it goes much better. Just wanted you to be prepared. As far as crime, this country is extremely safe. There’s some petty crime in the cities to be watchful for, but violent crime is extremely rare and generally motivated by personal issues….but, prayers for safety are still useful. And, prayers for smooth government relations are important, for a smooth (and tax-free) check in at the airport, for good relationships in the villages, and for trust in the different communities. There’s still a lot of mistrust and confusion about foreigners that manifests itself in bureaucracy and “show me your papers” syndrome. But, if the Spirit goes before you, you’ll be just fine.

Please pray with us for this team. And please keep on praying. We ust found out today that a team member has a herniated disc. She and her partner will not be meeting up with the team in Ethiopia. Pray for her healing, but also pray for the team as they try to navigate without these two important team members.