Lucia Bastos
September 2024
"Empathy grows as we learn."
"Empathy grows as we learn." This sentence, written by Dr Alice Miller, PhD, who dedicated her studies to extending the trauma model to include all forms of child abuse, confronts the belief that there is a specific time or moment that we can devote ourselves to reflecting on the experiences of others. Lately, I've been challenged by the Holy Spirit to keep my focus on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others, trusting that He Himself is focused on mine. It's not a simple exercise. As human beings, we tend to prioritize our own needs. And Christ knew this trait of human nature so well that he left us these words: "But seek his kingdom and righteousness first, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
We might be tempted to believe that Jesus was concerned about us. However, we mustn't forget that these words come from the most excellent expression of empathy: the God who became flesh to save those in need. I like to believe He was trying to teach us how empathy can help us become more like Him.
Chad and the Guinebor 2 hospital have plenty of opportunities to practise empathy. As I've been mentioning in my prayer letters, on Wednesdays, HR organises and gives talks to all the hospital staff on topics relevant to the community, such as Christians and their work environment, diagnosing abdominal pain in children, and children with specific needs. We can see tiny seeds of change, but perhaps it's too early to see them germinate or bear fruit. Nevertheless, we are aware that these changes are taking root. Some initiatives may not have yielded the desired results, but others have undoubtedly thrived.
We are grateful that the emergency room is in the final stretch. We can already visualize the expanded space, where 13 beds will be available, a significant increase from the previous five.
Ongoing training is integrated into our regular activities within the administrative and financial departments. I am actively seeking opportunities and researching effective ways to impart financial management essentials to administrators and accountants. I ask for your prayers that the Holy Spirit grants me the wisdom and resourcefulness to carry out this task in the French language.
In recent weeks, I've noticed some interesting parallels between the current situation in Chad and the historical realities of Brazil in the 1940s and 1950s. During that time, Latin America was a major focus of missionary work, and it was during those decades and the subsequent years that a Swedish missionary trained my grandfather to become a church planter. It's amazing to think that during those same years, Brazil had an infant mortality rate of 160 deaths before the age of one for every 1,000 births. Fast forward to the 21st century, nearly halfway through the 2020s, and Brazil, in collaboration with Western Christians, has been sending missionaries to places like Chad, which is now the new frontier for missionary work. Currently, Brazil still grapples with a high infant mortality rate, currently at 13 per 1,000 births. While Chad's infant mortality rate is 66 deaths per 1,000 births. (These figures are availableat childmortality.org)
All these figures direct my thoughts in one way: spread the seeds, prioritize God, and He will make them flourish.
In the course of my responsibilities involving the documentation of project activities for sharing with partners, I encountered a young boy named M., who was suffering from an infection in his left ear. Upon entering the room, the medical staff attempted to conduct an examination using an audiometry device, but M. resisted and attempted to flee. Recognizing his distress, I proposed that the medical staff perform the same test on me to reassure him of its harmlessness. After witnessing the procedure on me, M. consented to undergo the examination while I provided reassurance by holding his hand and then offering encouragement.
I am truly grateful for opportunities like this, as they allow me to step away from my desk and gain firsthand insight into the world beyond the confines of the office. Although I am passionate about managing numbers, what truly drives and motivates me is the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of others through effective management of numbers and finances.
As I mentioned, the emergency room renovation is in its final stages. Please help us by praying for these final moments to renew our energies. On October 2nd, we kick off the activities of the Hospital Budget for the year 2025. This is the first experience for the administrative and financial team members and the first time that the heads of the department will be involved in this task. If everything goes according to plan, it will be a two-month process. Please pray that I will be clothed with wisdom and didactics so that I can walk in steps that everyone can follow, regardless of their level of financial experience.
Many streets and houses are flooded due to the rainy season. Praise the Lord that most hospital staff are safe and well despite the inconvenience. Unfortunately, however, a few have had their houses or parts of them knocked down by the force of water. Please pray for them and for the SMT to find a sustainable way to help them.
Some days, the challenges are greater than the apparent results. But I'm glad we're not walking by sight but by faith.
If you could prayerfully consider if you are able to support my work by becoming a 24/7 partner, you can find more information here:https://www.bmsworldmission.org/people/lucia-bastos/