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By Jack Krayenhoff
THIS IS NOT an inspiring missionary story – with
great obstacles overcome with God’s help, resulting in a rich
harvest, spiritual or otherwise.
But it is a true portrait of missionary character and
spirit. It is also an honest account of the often-untidy world of overseas
missions – which not everybody is willing to talk about.
Patrick Ney is a family physician. After graduating
from university, he traveled around the world for a year – and along
the way, he did short-term mission work in Kenya.
“I really got turned on to that work, and to
Africa,” he says, adding that he never received explicit directions
from God.
“We struggled with that one,” he says.
“It would have been very nice if it had been made clear to us –
but no, that did not happen. We set off and get some momentum, and trust
that God will use us. You can’t steer a ship that is not
moving.”
But the missionary life suits him.
“Here at home, you fit into your role, and
you’re not pushed to extend yourself. There, you have to find
solutions to unexpected problems – and with a minimum of resources,
in another culture and language.”
His wife Kate’s story is very similar: at age 18,
she did a six-month stint in Liberia. That made her decide to become a
teacher and a missionary. Why?
“The need,” she responds. “Over here,
we are so blessed; I wanted to share. It is our responsibility to be
generous. Also, I love the ‘generalist’ aspect of the work in
Africa. Here, everything is specialized.”
After completing their training, they got married. For
the first two years they travelled all over the province, trying out
communities and filling in for other medical personnel.
They recently returned from 18 months in Tanzania. They
had hoped to work with a missionary there, but it became clear this
individual could not tolerate someone else’s input.
Consequently, Patrick was unable to get his medical
work permit in the country, and he had to settle for a job with a secular
organization – which nevertheless did good work.
He refurbished a hospital that had been unused and
neglected, and initiated treatment – including the dispensing of anti
retroviral medications for the many HIV-positive people who, until then,
had no access to treatment.
Kate got an orphanage going, and started an income
generating project to support families which were caring for AIDS orphans.
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On a previous African expedition, the couple ended up
working in Uganda, on a group of islands in Lake Victoria.
“It was the Wild West,” Ney says. “It
was the most remote and lawless part of Uganda, where people went to escape
from the police or just disappear – with a high rate of HIV infection
and alcoholism.”
He recalls one unsettling incident. “On the
way out, the engine of the boat broke down, and we arrived by moonlight to
be welcomed by a group of drunken fishermen.
We had a close encounter with a Green Mamba [snake],
and then we were discouraged from working there by the corrupt local
officials – who insisted there were no medical problems, and who were
obviously keen to see us leave.
“We said, ‘This is a crazy place. Why would
we want to work out here?’ But we did – medical work and
community development. And God used us.”
What is more, after taking a break in B.C.’s Gold
River, they returned to Uganda for another stint.
“You sound like adventurous people,” your
reporter says.
“We don’t sit still very well,” says
Patrick. “We always anticipate some sort of adventure. If you are
willing to give up the comforts and predictability of life here, you have
to be a little different.”
So, what do the Neys advise prospective missionaries?
“First, do a short-term mission, and find out the
opportunities and the difficulties, and what you like about the culture.
You probably are an idealist – but nothing is ideal on the mission
field. The most frequent reason for missionaries going back home is
conflict with missionaries that have been there for a while.”
He concludes: “It takes awhile to figure out what
is appropriate in a new culture. So just listen, and be willing to
learn.”
September 2008
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