Post by Jarah
Hello everyone! After 3 wonderful days at the medical outreach, the team enjoyed some time to rest and explore today. It was a beautiful day in Antigua – we sipped coffee, sampled chocolate, shopped at the artisan markets, ate a delicious lunch, and had fun getting a bit lost in the city. Afterwards, we drove out to the Healing Nations property in Santo Tomas for the groundbreaking ceremony before construction begins on the clinic building. When I stepped foot on the land, my heart was overwhelmed as I looked around at the surrounding neighborhood and beautiful landscape. I was thinking of the countless prayers and committed effort of so many that went into this very plot of land. I was thinking about all the potential ways that God will use this clinic as a place of hope and healing for this community. As I walked the perimeter of the property, the words of Psalm 16 came to mind: “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance… You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Ps 16: 5-6, 11).
The story of how this plot of land came under the ownership of Healing Nations is a good one, and honestly more than this blog post can contain (ask the Duncan’s about it sometime!). It certainly wasn’t an easy road, but after what seemed like an endless line of closed doors, God so clearly provided this land and it is beautiful. Yes, the lines have fallen in pleasant places! As we celebrated the gift of this land, Corey wisely reminded us that “unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” This medical ministry is not a result of mere human effort. God has gone before us, provides for us in the present, and wants us to look to Him in faith every step of the way. Our time ended as we each said a prayer over the land and broke ground with a shovel. Oh, Lord, would your love go forth from that place!
The recurring theme of this trip for me has been my utter dependence on God. It’s true as I look forward to the clinic being built. But it’s also the truth my heart needs to hear as I see patient after patient during this outreach. The needs are great and I often feel my limits as a provider, but it’s been so sweet to see His provision time and time again.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement!
This is so awesome! I am a bit jealous of you all that you got to be there to take part in this ceremony. I praise God that this ceremony was able to take place, especially with all the work that I know has gone into getting to this point. God is so good and faithful to provide. It is exciting to consider what the future might hold as construction begins on this clinic.
Prayers of thankfulness for God’s provision.
Thrilled to see this, and especially thrilled for Jenni. Literally, a dream come true. And Corey’s reminder was indeed wise; this must be very much the Lord’s doing for it to accomplish what He wants done. To paraphrase Troy Champ,we can’t wait to see what God’s going to do next!
I was at Vine Street Baptist Church when Jenni visited and shared with us how the purchase of the land was possible. It was great meeting her. I have prayed for this day to come. Thankful that God continues to bless this ministry.