He Touched Me -- Part 2

He Touched Me -- 2
Luke 8:43-48

As we saw when Jesus walked the dirt paths of Galilee, His power and love were evident as He touched the lives of those in need of healing, whether it was emotionally or physically.  The woman in the Scripture today was one of those touched by the Master when the medical doctors were unable to provide the correct treatment.

Now, fast forward to 1983.  When you are living in the middle of the African bush, medical issues are addressed in a vastly different way!  No need to check around for specialists or the most highly recommended.  We were alone on our hospital station with just a missionary nurse and a visiting doctor from another part of the country.

During this time, I discovered a lump in a breast and finally reached the conclusion that it would be wise to have the visiting doctor exam me.  His response...after lunch he would get out his medical books and do some research!  This doctor had not seen breast cancer in 30 years while working in Africa!

Later that afternoon, he arrived at our door and informed us that we should go straight home to the States because I needed a mastectomy immediately.  This news was like a torch set in the dry fields around us in the African dry season...hot, overwhelming emotions galloped through our hearts and minds.

I can honestly say that I was not concerned for myself and what I might be facing...I had faith that God would give me sufficient grace as I needed it.  I was not a happy camper at the thought of leaving Africa for this!  My primary concern was for my husband and children as they processed this abrupt interruption in life.

We tearfully informed our 4 kids and then consulted with missionaries by radio at another station.  Our plan was to leave the kids with them, just the two of us fly home, have surgery and return.

Our faith was reaching out to Him, the Compassionate One.  We only asked for a touch of His grace and faith as we fought the fears and uncertainty that faced us.  His gentle hands began to hold us close.