I hope that this Christmas season finds you filled with peace and joy and so much hope for the coming once again, of Jesus our Savior!
It has been a busy season for us here in Canilla – as it is for everyone! We hosted a surgical team last week – a group of great people who love Jesus and want to serve Him with their talents. Our prayer is that we not only help with surgical needs but that in everything we do, and every word that we speak that Jesus is honored. This team did that so well! Thank you, Prairie Lakes Church!
Our clinics continued during the surgeries…just with less of our staff and more language barriers. In Santa Elena, we had several very sick children. Little Diego (not his real name) came in with his aunt who snuck him out of the house – from an abusive mom, she told me. He was very sick with fever, diarrhea and a cough. His temperature was 104 degrees and he was so dehydrated. I was worried as I watched him lay listlessly in his aunt’s arms. I felt helpless to help with their situation…we could not get him into the hospital to start him on IV fluids and medications that he so needed. So, we did the best that we could with the medications that we had, and we prayed. I continued to pray through much of the night, knowing that outside of a miracle, this little 16 pound toddler would not live.
Little ‘Diego’
Over the years, the Lord has been so faithful to answer our prayers, and yet, every time He does, I am surprised. And so, when little Diego came in yesterday with his mama, smiling and healthy, I was amazed once again by the faithfulness of our Lord! He looked great and I knew that this was a little man touched by the love and power of Jesus. I wonder what plans the Lord has for this little life!?
Drs Nathan and Heather left this morning for some much-needed rest and Christmas with their family. Pray for those of us here in Canillá left caring for the patients coming in the next few weeks. We will need lots of wisdom! And as end of the year activities and Christmas celebrations come, would you pray that we all keep Jesus first!
May this Christmas season bring you and your family a little closer to Jesus!
Many blessings and love to you from our family!
Leslie Ficker