MedGo

In the past, I have talked a bit about my job description (you can read that post here if you missed it). One of the activities that I think I will find the most challenging and exciting is working with the MedGo program. MedGo is a relatively new program the hospital has started to train, mentor, and disciple young Indonesian doctors and nurses as they prepare and serve as medical missionaries. Originally the program focused on doctors but has expanded to include twelve nursing students. Seven of those students recently graduated and are beginning their internship year serving in the different areas and departments of the hospital. In early 2012 they will also spend two months studying at a nearby Bible school. Following this internship year and in partnership with other organizations these young nurses will begin serving as missionary nurses at a number of locations throughout Indonesia. Fluent in the language and culture they are able to reach out and serve in many areas others cannot go. There they will build bridges and share the Good News by providing health care to those in need.

My involvement with the Medgo program will occur as I teach and help with practicum at the nursing school and hospital, giving me daily interactions with these students. All students at the nursing school attend a small group weekly Bible Study. In the past, I have served as the leader of one of these groups and I imagine that I will do so again, giving me the opportunity to disciple my small group of students. After graduation these nurses have committed to serving with the MedGo program for three years including the internship year at the hospital. I will continue to work with them as they transition from school to working as a nurse and then go out to serve throughout Indonesia for two years. Hopefully I can help to mentor and care for them as they care for others. Most importantly I hope to lead by example as a I serve as a missionary nurse.

Yanto

So I wanted you to have the chance to meet one of these young nurses and hear his story. This is Yanto.

He was born and raised in Nias, a small island off the west coast of northern Sumatra. His hopes and dreams collapsed on the day his father died. This deep disappointment dragged him into despair. He began seeking occult power by contacting a witchdoctor who could teach him black magic. Yanto believed someone had used black magic to cause his father’s sudden death. Hatred drove him to try to take revenge on this enemy.

His mother felt sorry for him but Yanto was beyond her grasp. There was nothing she could do but she kept on praying for him. Amazingly, despite the turbulence in his life Yanto did manage to finish high school.

In 2006 one of his relatives urged him to travel to far off West Kalimantan (province where Bethesda Hospital is located) to become a policeman. Off he went with great hopes for a brighter future in a new place. He quit drinking and smoking and expected to be accepted for training as a policeman. However, life in the new place was hard on him. Four times he failed the entrance exam to become a policeman. This situation forced him to think more seriously about his life; its purpose, his failures and the hatred which was rooted deep in his heart. In desperation he meditated on a Bible verse given to him by an evangelist: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). For the first time in his life Yanto realized his need to have a Savior. Giving up all the witchcraft and hatred which he had brought with him from Nias Island, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Being a new person in Jesus, Yanto stopped pursuing his dream to become a policeman. Instead, he prayed a lot and patiently waited for God’s guidance for his future. In 2008 Yanto applied to study at Bethesda Nursing Academy and was accepted. Through spiritual nurture provided by this institution Yanto has learned more about God and has grown spiritually. He clearly understands that God can use him to serve others through the nursing profession.

Being one of the twelve students in the MedGo Commission’s Missionary Nurse Scholarship Program is a unique blessing for Yanto. It has helped him and his family to cope with their extreme financial limitations due to the death of his father. Most importantly, his mother has accepted Yanto’s decision to become a missionary nurse, an unfavorable career choice to most Indonesian parents. 

MedGo 2011 Class at Graduation from Nursing School

Please be praying for this group of seven new nurses as they begin their three years of service as missionary nurses. Pray also for the five students who are just starting their senior year. Finally be praying for me as I prepare to help with this program. While I am very excited to work these young men and women I know there will also be many challenges.