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By Arlene Onderwater
A LOCAL medical clinic, an Abbotsford family and a rural hospital in Kenya: what
do these have in common? All share a vested interest in a physician willing to
give his talents, time and treasure, and to bring his family along on the
adventure of their lives.
Dr. Richard Welsh, his wife Louise, and children Emily, Andrew and Matthew, are
living in Kenya from April to June.
They’ll be involved in various projects, with Dr. Welsh providing medical services
and training national doctors, and the others helping in orphanages and
schools.
All family members are volunteering at Tenwek Hospital, a 300-bed facility
located 350 km northwest of Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. On the hospital
grounds is a large sign that reads: “We treat, Jesus heals.”
The family spoke to BCCN just before they left Canada. When asked if they’ve done this before, Richard said: “Never, it’s a totally new experience.” As for why, he said:
“This trip is not about what we can do for God – but what he can do with and through us. It’s about our availability, our willingness to learn and serve. We’re here to share God’s love by caring for those less fortunate.
“We’re doing something radically out of our comfort zone – impacting others, while ourselves being challenged to change.
“These real-life experiences provide a hands-on education unlike any other. We
wanted a family service trip. The timing was right, and our kids at an age they
could participate.”
“A World Vision walk-through presentation on the plight of these children
captured my attention,” said Louise.
Emily added: “God put it on my heart. I had a desire to work with orphans.”
Andrew and Matthew both liked the idea of going to Africa.
While the concept began several years ago, real planning started last summer
when they contacted World Medical Mission (WMM), an arm of Samaritan’s Purse. WMM matches doctors willing to go overseas to serve at hospitals
needing physicians. However, outreach didn’t begin with their arrival in Africa.
Welsh said he firmly believes all Christians are called to full-time ministry,
regardless of career or position.
He sees his medical practice at Abbotsford Gateway Health and Wellness Clinic in
the same light as the trip to Kenya.
At Gateway, he proposed a venture promoting compassion and generosity. Rather
than charge full amounts for uninsured services, clinic doctors would ask their
patients to take all or a portion of this money and “pay it forward to someone who needs it more.”
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The clinic welcomed written responses, and has shared the joy of how others have
benefited. Office staff joined in; rather than give gifts to each other at
Christmas, they contributed $500 to Tenwek Hospital.
The Welsh kids saved money in a ‘Kenya Jar’ from newspaper routes and babysitting. Their family hosted parties, where the
focus was on giving to the African people. Subsequently, they bought medical
supplies, clothing, food, pencils, soccer balls and toys to share with those
less privileged.
Dr. Welsh’s training of new physicians will benefit many. He is also providing vacation
relief for doctors who have devoted their careers to overseas work.
The Welsh family realize that, as North Americans, it’s relatively easy to depend on material things and feel a sense of entitlement.
In Kenya, they hope to grow more dependent on God, and closer as a family.
Seeing Kenya’s incredible need, health complications such as HIV, and a whole generation
without parents, could leave one overwhelmed at the level of human tragedy.
Nevertheless, Louise said: “I can’t save everyone, but I can help one at a time – and that makes all the difference in the world, to the one being helped.”
Emily, demonstrating wisdom beyond her teen years, concluded: “We may never know the full impact of our actions, but we do know small things
affect others. We’re here to serve. It’s God’s job to do the rest.”
Those wishing to help can make a tax-deductible donation to: Samaritan’s Purse World Medical Mission Account #008170 Hopewell Way NE Calgary AB T3J 5H5.
June 2009
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