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Meet Janie and Paul Yoo, a missionary couple
working in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. Originally from the United States, Janie is
an eye doctor and Paul a dentist. Here in Zambia, Paul and Janie diligently manage and
operate an eye hospital and dental clinic.
In a country of 14 million people with only 22 ophthalmologists, Janie bears a lot of responsibility.
The "Lusaka Eye Hospital" is in a prime location for the needy as well
as the affluent. Patients here opt among a variety of services, from getting new glasses
to eye exams, laser treatment, cataract surgery and even corneal transplants.
About 100 patients are cared for on a daily basis, totaling more than 20,000 visits per year.
Janie not only helps patients to see physical light, but also the Light of the World as
she shares Jesus' love and dependence upon God. She begins each procedure with prayer
and relies on God for the best outcome.
Paul works in the Adventist dental clinic right next door. Dental work in Zambia is
sought after by the wealthy who can afford these treatments. Patients at the Lusaka Adventist
Dental Services come from a select group of society: such as businessmen, government officials,
and ministers. This presents a unique opportunity for Paul to mingle with important leaders.
As he works on their teeth there is an opportunity to talk about life and hope.
"They do come here seeking care, the proper
care just because of the reputation that we have as a church. So there is a tremendous
trust that is given to us and with that trust comes our responsibility and obligation to
carry on with that and provide as best service as possible."
Both Janie and Paul strive for excellence in service. They choose to work as missionaries
in a place far from home. They long for the opportunity to impact others in a positive way.
Every month, Janie and her husband travel into the community to host eye camps.
These outreach events bring eye treatment to rural areas and district hospitals. People with
no access to eye doctors get the attention and care that they desperately need.
"I think eye camps and outreach events are
the highlight of my work here in Zambia. When you encounter these 70-year-old men who are
completely blind, and you work on them and after a 20-minute
surgery they can see again. The next day you take off their patch and they can see. I mean,
they didn't have the means to pay for it but somehow through us we were able to help them."
These lives, touched by an Adventist center of influence are given a new purpose.
The ability to see, empowers them to do simple tasks they could not before. Now they can work,
help their families and themselves.
After these visits, the clinic chaplain follows up with individuals interested in learning
more about Jesus. Although Janie and Paul won't always hear about the fruits of their labor,
lives have been changed because of their selfless effort.
"We are working to establish God's work,
there is tremendous challenge with that yet we feel completely fulfilled in knowing that
it's not for our own personal gain. It's truly to establish the work that it may bring
honor to God and bring many to His kingdom."
Please pray for Janie and Paul Yoo and visit
AdventistMission.org to learn more about mission work around the globe.