Remember

It has been over eleven years since I first set foot in Indonesia. It was a life changing experience to walk in the refugee camps and witness the sad struggle of thousands of people. Those memories set the direction of our work even a decade later.

We have a passion to serve the poorest-of-the-poor in the remote island of Halmahera. The challenges are always before us--funding--medical resources--training of staff--organizing the construction of facilities. I strongly believe the real heroes in our work are the staff members led by Peter and Esther Scarborough who serve every day. They serve without seeking praise and give unselfishly day after day. They face the challenges directly and keep serving the sick and injured.

The region is now facing an HIV/AIDS crisis. Our staff are treating those who come to us with the breakdown of their immune system--wondering why they are so weak. Every story is so sad and yet we are there to give them comfort and respect. It is a privilege to put our arms around them and to offer them compassion. When I look at the faces of those who come asking our staff to help them I remember the early days.