An Accurate Reproduction
August 30, 2009
I’ve spent the last two weeks with a visiting physician couple here at the hospital. Dr. K.E. is a general surgeon and his wife, Dr. Leya is a pediatrician. Their original home is India; their home for the last 30 years is in the Deep South, not far from mine. They have three grown children and are within a few months of retirement age. They have a rich Christian heritage and have themselves been devoted followers of Jesus for many, many years.
For the last two weeks Dr. K.E. and I have spend a great deal of time together—doing rounds early in the morning, seeing the sick in clinic, sharing our thoughts on complicated patients and assisting each other in difficult surgeries. They have been guests for dinner in our home; they have made us Cajun gumbo in theirs’. I have watched Dr. K.E. respond to the daily frustrations we all face, I have watched him interact with the staff of the hospital, I have watched him take care of patients and their families, and I have watched him as he has processed life for the last two weeks here at Tenwek.
And there is something distinctly different about K.E. He is one of the most grateful people that I have ever met—an unstoppable gratitude, in every situation finding something to be thankful for. When you are around him there is an absolute peace, a calmness that nothing seems to disturb, a joy that is always just below the surface, which bubbles up so naturally—in an effortless smile, through his gentle touch, with the kindness that you can see in his eyes. And everywhere he goes he “ministers” this peace and joy to everyone he comes in contact with. He is one of the kindest men I have ever met—to the staff he is so complimentary and encouraging, to his patients he is so caring and compassionate, to his co-workers and peers he is so affirming and supportive. Even though he is an excellent surgeon with 35 years of experience, even though he has great wisdom and great judgment when it comes to difficult clinical situations, there isn’t an ounce of arrogance in K.E.—he deflects any praise to One he serves. I watched him as he secretly slipped small gifts into the hands of those he worked with—a book, a pen, or something else of meaning—small gifts from a very generous heart.
As I thought about K.E., I realized what makes him so distinctly different–he has been walking with Jesus for a long, long time. The fruit has taken root and grown and now looks just like the tree. The branch looks just like the vine. The child looks just like the father. He is being changed into the image of his Savior—and after walking with Him for all these years, He looks more and more like Jesus and less and less like K.E. And just like there was something powerfully attractive about the presence of the Son of God on this earth 2000 years ago, there is still something powerfully attractive about the presence of Jesus in a man or woman today. K.E. is living proof of that. And I am so thankful I had the opportunity to meet him, spend time with him and be challenged by his example.
Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces His character in you. Ephesians 4 Message Bible
Hey Paul,
Just had Joel here in Portland and everything went great…but one thing was really missing…. YOU! Dad told us that you had left for Kenya in July and honestly, we were not surprised at all! 3 months… careful… that might turn into 6 months next time! HA. So very thrilled for you and the entire family! We’ll follow the blog, wipe our eyes as we read and pray our hearts out!
We’re headed to Ethiopia sometime next Spring!
Stacey & Vance Rogers
Love you and miss you. Thats all. All is well here…just miss you guys and I am glad to be building with you:)
Dear Dr. Paul and Family:
Dodie showed us the pictures last Wednesday. I was so moved by the pictures of the triplets and of little Moses.
We miss your teachings here; however, we know you are being a blessing to so many people there.
Our prayers are with you all!
Take care.
What a blessing it was for my wife and I to get to know Paul, Jenn and their beautiful children while we were at Tenwek for a very short period! All through our life He has sent angels on our path to minister to us in times of need. Paul, you through your actions more than your words witnessed true discipleship and servant leadership to me. It is the daily witnessing of living giants of faith like you that brings Christ real to people like me.
We are looking forward to future missions and continued friendship.
Blessings,
KEM
Dear Dr. Paul Mandy told me yesterday about your blog and I just finished reading all your entries I was moved as I tried to picture in my mind the desperate poor you are ministering to as Jesus would have done. I wanted to visit more with you at the wedding but the evening went so fast and I missed saying goodby to you. It means a great deal to us to know our granddaughter has married into a family that serves the Lord because the name of Jesus is above anything the world has to offer. God bless you and keep you and your family safe and healthy as you serve him. Fred Umble
Dear Dr. Paul please note my corrected e-mail address fru@frontiernet.net I missed a letter first time. Fred Umble
Are you really adopting triplets?
Many people have been asking if we are adopting the children we are caring for in Kenya. While we are open to God’s leading, it is not possible for us to adopt them. Kenyan law says that you must live in Kenya and be citizens to adopt. So we …will continue to care for them and love on them as we all continue to pray that Caleb, Lydia and Benjamin will be adopted quickly by a Godly, Kenyan family.
Paul, It was a great pleasure to have met you at Tenwek in Febuary. Seeing how God has transformed you by his Spirit into a humble servant, how he blesses you and your family with His presence is a well needed encouragement to me. Hope to cross paths again sometime. I know God will continue to bless us. Tom Lineberger
Thank you for sharing this post, your blog, and this translation of Ephesians:
Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces His character in you. Ephesians 4 Message Bible
May God bless you and your family. Your mission to Africa has been an inspiration and blessing to me. Thank you for sharing your experiences at the Sat night service & I look forward to the next time you preach.