News Team works in Doropo

February 18th, 2010

On February 9, 2010, nearly 50 volunteers began their first day on the Save A Life V team. This team remained in Côte d’Ivoire for a week, serving as God’s hands and feet to the mostly Muslim or Animist villagers. Lives were changed, both physically and spiritually.

MEDICAL MINISTRY. The medical ministry included teams in eye care, wound care, general medical care, and surgery. The eye care team helped patients find glasses. As people tried on glasses, they were given a French Bible to read. A Muslim man asked if he could keep the Bible. On the fifth day of the trip, 50 people were in line for glasses when it was time to close. The team decided to stay longer and witnessed a miracle that evening. They reached in a bag of glasses and pulled out the right prescription every time! A Christian lady who had been blind for 10 years due to cataracts had surgery and was able to see again.

The wound care team witnessed 10 people accept Christ in a village one day. The Chief agreed they could attend the church in the next village. Those 10 new Christians will be watched carefully, and if people see a change in them, then others will accept Christ. The medical team was called out for an emergency surgery at 3 AM, preventing a woman’s death. One woman had to have an arm amputated, but was so weak with infection that her life was in danger. She made it through fine. Several cleft pallet surgeries were done for children ages three to 14. Two boys were treated for urinary infections that would have killed them if left untreated.

A stateside company donated 40 P.E.T. (personal energy transportation) karts. The medical team gave them out to those in need, virtually helping the lame to “walk.” One man had been walking on his hands for years. A little boy who had been born with a birth defect and never able to walk was a recipient. He was shunned by his peers because of his handicap, but this gift put a big smile on his face and he is now the envy of his peers.

CONSTRUCTION MINISTRY. God performed many miracles with this ministry. The cement mixer broke, but after praying about the situation, the Lord helped the team complete the job. They even moved a 40-foot container (used to store supplies until next year) without any type of moving equipment. The construction team mainly worked to refurbish a school, adding classrooms and performing maintenance. They fulfilled a promise from the group last year, so it was a testament to the integrity of this ministry. The Director of the school accepted Christ as his Savior on day three. He has promised the students will be taught about God. The team put together 98 school desks and two individual chairs. They replaced the ceiling in the Director’s home and worked on the windows, doors, and furniture. Some local people even came out and helped with several projects. Team members took the time to play with the children gathered to watch. As a result, they were invited to the huts (homes) of the kids. This gave the team an opportunity to witness to the parents.

VILLAGE MINISTRY. People were saved in several of the villages. Twenty-five were saved in a village of over 200. Another day, after getting stuck three times trying to get to a certain village, the team decided to go to a different village. They received permission from the Chief to set up and several accepted Christ. During Sunday services, several local people came to church after seeing the Americans. As a result, many heard the Word and were saved.

On the last day, the team attended a dedication ceremony for the school. The Chief of Nakele, a Muslim, said he witnessed a miracle through the service of the teams.

Everyone who went on the trip, and those who gave supplies, prayed, and supported this endeavor, played a role in changing lives.