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How Dr. Angie Came to Join Our Philippines Medical Mission

Missions have always had a special place in my heart. I know that God has called me to serve in this field and this is what I want to be doing for a long time to come. After graduating from medical school in late 2023, the Lord called me to go on another mission trip but this time in the capacity of a doctor. I had previously been to Cambodia in 2019 before being accepted into medical school and although I thought to myself back then I would be back for more, COVID hit and medical school consumed all the time I had. However, when God called again this time, I was skeptical as all first-year doctors at my hospital had their annual leaves pre-allocated during their Emergency rotation and therefore I did not have much of a say as to when I can take leave. Furthermore, rotations were assigned months ahead in advance.

 

I prayed to God that if going on a mission this year was His will, it would have to fall within the exact dates of my annual leave. As soon as I said that prayer, I opened my browser and typed “medical missions 2024”. I clicked on the first link that caught my eye which was the GAiN Australia webpage. The very first mission listed there was the Philippines.

For unexplainable reasons, I have always been drawn towards the Philippines. I do not know why.

I proceeded to click on the link and there it was, staring right in my face in bold, 25th Feb – 9th Mar 2024. The exact dates of my annual leave. I remember gaping at my screen in disbelief. What other explanation could there be apart from the hand of God?

Summer Medical Mission 2024 Philippines Southeast Asia Humanitarian Aid

Like Gideon, I doubted and wanted more confirmation.

I had never heard of GAiN and thought I should verify if this is a legitimate organisation. Before I could even do that, I backtracked to the general medical missions page and was greeted with an even bigger shock. I recognised two familiar faces in the featured photo. It was a photo of the pastor and doctor I worked with in Cambodia all those years ago. Of all the photos that could be featured on the website, that photo was the first on the website and the largest one. That was God’s second confirmation to me because I know that these two individuals were part of a different organisation. I knew that this was not a coincidence and proceeded to submit my application. 

 

I later found out that the Philippines mission typically occurred a couple of weeks earlier, but an exception was made for this year. Had this been the case, I would not have been able to make this trip. That was the third confirmation that God meant for me to go.

And then the time came. I have seen poverty before, but it still hurts every time I witness it.

The first day was the toughest because I saw children afflicted with diseases that probably no child in Australia would ever suffer from. While providing access to healthcare was a huge blessing, the greatest blessing, however, was forging friendships for eternity. I have been especially blessed by my translators who have been so competent, patient with me and unbelievably kind. I have been incredibly fortunate to have worked with such a humble team of doctors who have not only motivated me to study harder and improve my skills but have also taught me that we are Christians first, before being doctors. I have been blessed by all the GAiN administrative and organisational staff and our local partners. They are the ones who do not seek the limelight and work quietly behind the scenes to serve us and the people. I have much to learn from their humility and compassion.

Summer Medical Mission 2024 Philippines Southeast Asia Humanitarian Aid

Last but certainly not least, I thank God our Father in Heaven who kept us safe, granted us journey mercies and used the work of our hands to bring the people of the Philippines to Him. God willing, this would be the start of many medical missions to come.

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