Hands and words
February 15, 2008
We often refer to hospitals as “facilities” and we talk about how big they are, how many patients they can take care of, how many beds and operating rooms and the newest technology. But hospitals—just like churches—are made up of people. And people determine the level of excellence of the hospital; people determine the “tone” and “spirit” of a hospital. Let me tell you about the mission hospital where I’m working for this month.
Tenwek Hospital began as a missionary outreach when American pioneer missionaries came to this area in the late 1800’s. Because of the faithful service of one man, Willis Hotchkiss, between 1895 and 1935, a “foothold” for the Kingdom was established in this remote corner of Africa. Reverend Hotchkiss prepared the way for two missionary nurses to set up a dispensary on this site from the mid-1930’s until 1959. It was from this tiny two-room dispensary that patients were seen and treated, medicines were given and babies were birthed. I often think about what it was like for those two women, alone in a dark part of Africa, surrounded by all sorts of danger. It amazes me what courage and perseverance they must have had to do what they did. These two ladies prayed for years that God would send a doctor to Tenwek so they would be able to treat more patients. That prayer was answered when Dr. Ernie Stuery answered the call God had on his life and in 1957 began to make plans to come to Africa. In 1959, after language school, Dr. Steury and his family arrived at Tenwek Hospital. Under Dr. Steury’s leadership for over 35 years, and with the support of so many Christians all over America and all over the world, the hospital began to expand. A male ward was added, then a female, then a separate laboratory, then a cafeteria, then new “theatres”, then mission cottages for the resident missionaries, then a nursing school…and on and on.
Now I have the opportunity to take care of patients in those same male and female wards, send blood to the same laboratory, operate in the same theatres and sit at a computer in the dark of the early morning at one of the same missionary cottages. As I walk by the Hotchkiss Memorial Chapel and sit at the Sue Steury cafeteria and I meet Dr. John Steury (one of the sons)…I am reminded that when I serve at Tenwek Hospital, I serve in the footsteps of a long line of men and women who have courageously given their lives to advance the Kingdom and be the hands and feet of Jesus on the very soil that I now serve.
Last Saturday night, I was taking care of several patients who had traveled for more than four hours over very difficult and dangerous roads to make it to this hospital. I asked the resident physician who was with me this question, “Why is it that these men and women who are so terribly sick and injured would pass so many other hospitals and clinics to get here?” She answered quickly: “Because this hospital has a reputation, it’s known as a place where the hands are gentler and the words are kinder”.
The facilities of this hospital are important, but the “spirit” of this hospital is what draws people here. People drive long distances over terrible roads and walk for miles over the rocky hills because of the reputation of gentle hands and kind words. That reputation didn’t start with me, or the resident physicians or the current missionary staff. We are just a few in the long line of faithful people who have created the spirit of this hospital. And I know in heaven right now, Reverend Hotchkiss, and the pioneer nurses, and Ernie Steury are smiling, knowing that the hands are still gentle and the words still kind at Tenwek Hospital. May it always be so.
It is the goodness and kindness of God that draws men and women…
From Africa with love,
Paul
My Brother!…Wow!…I know exactly what you mean about having a DREAM!..My ten year long DREAM has come!…I was waiting on God all these years till your little brother started preaching and telling me off…ha,ha,ha…You know how last year he started sharing and challenging us, like always, to do our part and let The Lord do the rest, telling us to get out of our comfort zone and out of our box and step up to the plate?……Well, anyway, I did…little did I know that four months later I would be in New York with the Lakewood Team!…..yippee!..whoo, hoo!…I’m so happy for you..I’m sure as your doing your thing, you have tears coming down your face…you have so much joy in your stomach you feel like you want to pop…ha,ha,ha…that’s how I feel when I’m shooting at church….The Lord has a plan for all of us…you where created and born for this time, to go and help those people…I think that’s amazing!…. I just had a thought…If you still had your own practice, could you be able to leave your office and go for a month to Kenya and do the Lords work?….Negative…You would have all your clients….I know now that is why I don’t have my 50 plus weddings per year….Would I of gotten out of my box if I still had my 50 weddings per year?….Would I have the fire to go and shoot on Sundays after coming home late from a Wedding every Saturday?…Negative!….It’s all in Gods Perfect timing!….Ok…no more preaching!….ha,ha,ha…Isn’t this technology wonderful?…I’m sure it’s a little hard everyday not having all the comforts of home but, you know what?…Not only are you being transformed by what your doing….Imagine your children, they are going to have a heart of gold!…Just like Jesus, your Dad, Joel and You!…You guys have definitely inspired me to take my kids on a missions trip…Maybe not to Africa because of the finances but, I can surely get in my husbands truck and drive to Mexico…May The Lord continue to bless you and your family with peace, strength and tons of JOY!…you and Jenny are Amazing parents!…When I grow up I want to be like you!…ha,ha,ha…love the Video, love the pictures!…Gabriela Ferrel your Photographer!
Beautiful.
God Bless You and all that you do.
Hi Paul and family:
Every morning I look to see if there’s any new reports from you all. While reading what you’re doing and what’s going on over there, I’m overcome with emotions and tears…I must have some Osteen blood. Don’t know quite what to say except I love you all so much and believing God’s protection and strength and you shall remain in my prayers.
Love you,
Kay
I just love reading all the things you guys are in contact with everyday. We sometimes take for granite what we have in the US. It is very humbling to see all the needs you and your family is touching.
It is so great to see your children adjust to the cultures of that country, even with out the Ipods, and Game machines. Its amazing when your in the elements of the unknown, how God will give you the things you need and desire. Paul, I believe you are in your right element with surgury, our God had you out only for a season, and now is rewarding you for your efforts, in what you enjoy the most.
Jenn, your an awesome lady, you keep the strength of the family up, and keep yourself up.
Jack, Keep the people laughing and smiling, your a great young man.
Love you guys,
In his Blessings
Cary & Regina Williams
Huntsville, Tx
(Lakewood Family)
Oh, 1 more thing, when you get back, Im sure your missing good ol’ Chicken Fried Steak, mashed potates, or french ries, and great fresh yeast rolls. Well its on me at Goodson’s Cafe in Tomball. It may not be in your diet, but I thought I would pass it along. Heck, you may need to thick’n up a bit, and we know doing it Texas style, is the way.
You keep doing what our Lord has blessed you with, your talents.
Love you Bro,
In his Blessings
Cary
Dear Dr. Paul,
Love never fails!!
Thank you for continuing in the Oasis of love in Kenya that started so long ago.
People know real and long for the encouragement besides the physical treatment.
You and your family are His hands and His heart.
Connected to you all here!!
Love & Prayers,
Joyce K.
Dear Dr. Paul and family -
Thank you so much for continuing to take time out of your wonderfully busy days to keep us apprised of your thoughts and feelings and message of love and hope. It must be very humbling to realize the effort and bravery of those people who trek so far to be seen at your hospital. The love and care you all give them must be amazing to have the reputation you have.
Please keep up your wonderful work and keep sharing your days with us, we look forward to each and every blog!
God’s blessing to you all>
Kathy
Praise God for your obedience and for the legacy of the faithful pioneers who answered the call for Tenwek Hospital to be birthed.
I have read and re-read the journal entries. I weep with you, I rejoice with you.
May God’s protection continue to go ahead of you as you act as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. You are blessed to be a blessing and I thank the Lord for your steadfastness, passion, and compassion.
What an incredible thing you are doing for God’s precious children.
Well done, good and faithful servants!
You are in our prayers night and day.
Much love,
The Worshams
Mills, Roxanne, and Rob
…I was in that place where the only thing you have left is called on His name… I did it and guess what… He came to me, rescue me and saved me … again! I As I was looking for the liryc of the song I was listening when I cried out – Jesus!, I found this video that made me think about all of you there. I want yo share it with you…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E00N52odms4&feature=related
With all the love in The King
Every day I read what you are doing and think about all the conversations we had about your “calling”. Thank the Lord, you are where you were meant to be with the partner and family he meant for you. Knowing your talents, I am so grateful that you are able to use them again to His glory. You must fit in well at that hospital, because you have always had gentle (talented) hands and kind words for all your patients as well as all my nurses. I love you all and pray for you every day.
Peace and Grace.
Amen.
Hey Dr. Paul , Jennifer
We are praying for you and hope you are comeing home soon!
The church misses you!
Larry & Lesli
Hey Brother,
Your words are getting more passionate by the day. Did you ever stop and realize that everything you’ve done in the past has prepared you for this very moment ?
Dumb question, of course you have….Well, we pray for you everyday and are so proud of you and your family
Be blessed , the Smith’s
Hi there Dr. Paul and family!
Your writing places me there on the scene. Its like listening for someone’s heartbeat – you know its beating, but you’ve got to really get close and listen. I believe you are multigifted – your writing is real, its detailed and is touching many lives all over the place.
I would look forward to a Book. Your hands can do so much, but your words can touch the hearts of others to move their hands for God’s work!
The heart of Africa…
You’re all in our prayers – Peace and health over you and your family.
The McCullah’s
Paul Osteen, I didn’t know about your mission util today. I am a RN student and I was very blessed with your words. I thank God for all those who love to take care of people with God’s love. You are a great inspiration to me. I’m from Brazil, but I’m living in USA for 9 years. I always want to be a Doctor, but I didn’t have the opportunity in my Country. Thank God for this opportunity know. I will not be a doctor but I believe that I will be a great nurse. My heart is full of Jesus’s love and I’m happy that there are many people like me as you and people from Lakewood Church. You are great. I pray for God to continuo bless you, your family and you ministry. Love, Glecia
Paul, what an encouragement! And what a gift for writing you have bro! Thanks for sharing all that. I know you guys love what you’re doing there, but we sure miss you! Can’t wait to see you in a couple weeks!
Love ya bro,
-sray
Dr. Bro Paul just wanted to let you know that we are still praying for you down at the ocean here in Texas at LaPorte just as we promised you we are still praying for you. We miss you and your family but you have to do what God tell you too. We still miss your words of wisdom at the pulpit here at home in church. Today we got to talk to Victoria and she wants to be added to our prayer list and that is what we are doing.
God bless you and your family and protect you folks we pray in Jesus name.
This is Chuck & Jane Rosa from Arizona with the red jacket that says Arizona.
Dr. Paul and your fellow colleages as you engage with “the least of these” you are image-bearers of God. As one of my Faith Community Nursing books so eloquently put it, “when the nurse clinician (physician)…stands before a patient.., God is also present…For it is here, in the act of serving a brother or sister in need, that the nurse(physician) truly encounters God.” by Mary Elizabeth O’brien. Sometimes, in the traditional medical arena, these can be few and far between. This is a reminder for us to seek and cherish these opportunites. I found a great avenue to experience the God in your profession is to volunteer in the faith community. This can offer seeds to transform your career into to your ‘calling.’ Thank you for reminding us that the legacy of caring lives on…..And it is never to early to pass it on! My 6 year old grand daughter, Aaliyah, asked me during the drive to church this morning. “Do, you know, slaves….slaves.” (trying to get the pronunction right). She then proceeded to recount the story of Harriet and the Under Ground Railroad. Then she show a man walking on the sidewalk with a sheet, “What’s… homeless… oh… I saw some downtown.” I thinks she’s old enough to care through volunteering.
Verda, proud to be a part of the Lakewood family 18 years
The Osteen family, May God bless you all and keep you safe in His arms. You are blessed in the city, in the field, coming and going, you are blessed!!
Go into the world and preach the gospel.. We have a purpose. We are called by God. He gives us our gifts and talents. We have a Godly purpose. If ye do these things ( to the poor) ye do these things into me.
You are an inspiration to all of us. We pray for you all daily. God loves you and we love you. We are proud to members of Lakewood church.
God gives us dreams. I’ve found mine.
One day while driving home I saw the most beautful sun set and I told God I wished i could paint and draw, He spoke to me and said, when you come to heaven, you can paint the sky and the sky will be your canvas. I look forward to going home I not dying, per Gayle. Thank You Jesus!!!
How great it is to dream the dream. When you stand in youth by the starry stream, but a greater thing it is, but a greater thing it is, to fight life through and say at the end the dream is true.
Love you guys….In Christ name Mike Ringenberg
Dearest Dr. Paul,
When you grow up where “the hands are gentler and the words are kinder” you can’t help but have God’s compassionate heart. You are describing Lakewood and your own Mom and Dad. Compassion and Love, that’s what you are because of who you are and who’s you are. What an honor to serve HIM with you and your family. Thank you so much for really taking the time to “paint” the picture for us. This is an awesome way to “keep us in the loop”.
You are living God’s richest blessings,
Love to all,
N&G