The week had been exasperating for her. The blond haired, blue-eyed beauty from Germany was with us trying to renew her visa to the Muslim country where she had been working. Unsuccessful repeated attempts to obtain a new visa left her trying to get a flight back to her home country. When I passed her that afternoon in the hallway, Kathy had that "I'm not okay" look on her face, so I asked if she was alright. Her tears flowed as she shared with me all that was wrong.

During the next few hours while making arrangements to get her home, I learned that this 24-year old pediatric nurse was ministering in an area with a high infant mortality rate. After giving birth, mothers were attended to, but their babies were put in a corner to receive medical attention only after the mothers were okay. She smiled as she told me that the babies are no longer dying because the women are being taught how to simultaneously care for both mothers and babies.

Kathyhad a tense departure that night, receiving her flight ticket in hand about 20 minutes before time to leave for the airport. But she hung in there knowing she was going home to family and much needed rest. I gave her my address asking her to let me know when she was okay. She sent the following email (remember, English is not her first language): Hello Patricia,

It's me Kathy, the girl who stayed in the SIM guesthouse. I want to thank you again for your big help when I was deep in dispair. In this week in your country everything went wrong and my physical condition was not good as well. It is so great to find help in a moment like this. God bless you for being there... and for your work there". Another big thanks and a big hug!!!

From Kathy in Muslim country (yes I got a Visa in Germany)

Kathy's story is an example of the ways that God gives me to minister to my coworkers as I serve here in administration. Every one, the workers here, and those at home who support us, are all part of His plan to bring the Good News of Jesus to people groups who have not heard the Truth of Christ. We all need your daily prayer that Christ's Kingdom comes and HIS will be done through us.