The Great Physician (from Monday)

Well today was our final day in Lagutu. Sad I know, however, in my opinion probably the most exciting. We woke up this morning prepared to serve the village of Lagutu in a different way than we did during the previous days. We brought medications to have a medical clinic.

                When we arrived in Lagutu, we set up 3-4 stations for the doctors/nurses. We had 1 doctor from the US (myself), 1 Ugandian doctor, 1 nurse, and 4 medical students. Yes, we had 4 th year medical students who took their time to come and help the village of Lagutu as well. In fact, one of them graduates in one month from medical school. Each station had medical equipment like thermometers, stethoscopes, gloves, ect… Each doctor would see a patient, write down their assessment and plan (medication), and then send the patient with their card to the “pharmacy”.

                Well maybe it was not quite the “pharmacy” you are thinking of, but it was close. We arranged each of the medications along a table and also into a shoe rack that was hanging for convenience. When the patient would go to the “prayer” table, their card would be taken to the “pharmacy” and the medication would be filled. After they received prayer for their illness, they would be given the medication that was prescribed by the doctor.

                    The “prayer” table was an area where we placed team members who were not seeing patients to pray for each of the village members who were suffering from a medical issue. They would have their medical card with them so that the prayer warriors would know what things to pray for.

                We saw roughly 215 village members in about 5 hours among all of the medical team members. We saw patients with arthritis, chest pain from carrying heavy objects upon their heads, urinary tract infections, children with ear infections, all ages with worms, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from tobacco abuse, asthma in children, upper respiratory infections, tinea (fungal) infections of the scalp/torso and many more illnesses. We were able to provide antibiotics for bacterial infections, anti-fungal medications, multivitamins, Ibuprofen/Tylenol for pain, de-worming medications, and many more.

                The best part of all of this is that when the patients were finished, they went outside and the gospel was shared to them. Forty village members received Christ into their lives today!!!

                After the medical clinic, the wonderful, selfless people of Lagutu brought lunch to us. We had chicken, rice, cabbage, and of course pineapple. After lunch, we headed back to the city of Gulu for some shopping. We went to the local market, where we found lots of “yummy” food. No, I am just kidding, but we did have some team members who bought some flip flops made out of tires. Yes, that’s right, flip flops made out of old rubber tires. We even got to watch them make a couple of pairs.

                Finally, the day ended with an amazing dinner with the staff of SOI at our hotel. We were able to have fellowship, tell stories, express encouraging words, and then had to say our goodbyes.

But our journey does not end there; we will be traveling to the safari tomorrow. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to travel.

In Him, Josh

** since this post was written we have driven down to Paraa Safari Lodge, gone on a game drive, seen lots of animals, and this morning (wednesday) are headed out to take a boat ride up the Nile river and then hike Murchison Falls waterfall. Only 15 more hours in this beuatiful country for the Life Point crew! Pray for safety as we travel down to Entebbe today and then all the way back across the pond.
We have been so blessed to have you on the journey with us. Thanks for praying and leaving comments. Can't wait to see you when we get home.... We land in Wilmington at 5:35 on Thursday... feel free to throw a welcome home party for us ;).