Mission to Lebanon
[Alan returned from Lebanon in Late December but the incredible story of his calling and subsequent postcards are still available to be read below. He has recently given talks and slide presentations of his work in Lebanon]
Church member Alan writes:
As some of you know I was called by the Lord to go to Lebanon. You're surprised?! Surprised is an understatement to how I felt. All the when and how it happened I will save for another day. Liz [Smith] has encouraged me to keep a journal of everything that has occurred.
I will be working with the 'Teams Together' part of the Vineyard Church Movement of America as part of a mobile medical team. This will encompass assisting in clinics so that staff can get some rest. Also, in places centered in local churches where people congregate, and in remote villages not shown on any map. The actual work will be driven by what the local people need. There will be other aspects of my work that I'll be able to share with you on my return.
For the first week I'll be in Beirut with the Baptist Church getting to grips with the Arabic language, which has been organised for us free of charge. From there I'll be off to the south of Lebanon.
How do I fit in? I was a charge nurse of the A&E department at [Bristol] Frenchay Hospital for a number of years and used to train paramedics. Latterly I worked as a primary health care manager. They think I'll be useful just because I'm not American (which I find a bit unnerving).
This is all very new to me and I've been very busy organising things. The one question everyone asks me is when? I don't know is the simple answer. Teams Together leaders are in place and negotiating with the various factions so that we can be as effective as possible and move around freely. I am on the first medical team that will go in, and we have been told that they are on the verge (no pun intended) of sending us for the last three weeks - so it could be any time now.
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Alan, in fact, departed for Bruit in late October and his postcards via email can be read here. Click the postcards below.
Please remember to keep him in your prayers.