Back home in Texas, a stay at home mom tucks her little girl into bed. Every night they pray for missionaries… and I am blessed to be included in their prayers. They talk about Mercy Ships and the work that is happening here. When it’s time for her daughter to present a missionary to her class, she wants to share about Mercy Ships. This kindergartener tells many other kids and their families about Mercy Ships and our work here. That morning the circle of prayer around my patients is made wider.

Bumping along the road in Africa on the way back from church my friend, Kelly, shares her concern for her family back home. The only Christian in her family, she worries about her loved ones back in Australia. Who is witnessing to them while she is in Africa? The next morning, Kelly came into our shift huddle with tears in her eyes but absolutely glowing. “Guys… My mom’s friend came for a visit and took her to church and MY MOM ACCEPTED JESUS LAST NIGHT!”

Here in Africa during the week, our surgeons from many countries work to restore function to frozen joints and remove life threatening tumors. Last night our chaplain from Switzerland led us in prayer. After service my bunkmate from the Netherlands (who is also a nurse), settles in to rest for the night while I get ready to go to work my last night shift.

Prayer. Raising children. Sharing God’s love with friends and family. Sharing God’s love with the nations.

You won’t see any of this in the headlines or trending on social media, but it is the invaluable and quiet work of a faithful God and His people. It’s happening all over our wide world.