Be an encouragement

"Instead, we should all please other believers for their own good, in order to build them up in the faith." Romans 15:2

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With full encouragement and gratitude, I look back on the past months. I want to sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support in every way.

Are you acting in a way that helps others and encourages them in their faith? We are also called to behave in a way that is an encouragement to others. Again and again, I catch myself needing encouragement and being uplifted by those around me. But am I also an encouragement to others myself?

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Encouragement can take many forms, and I’ve experienced this in a special way over the past few months.

As I mentioned in my last letter, I had the opportunity to gain a new experience. I participated in a medical mission with "Healing Nations" as a translator. It was challenging, and I had to rely completely on the Holy Spirit. He gave me the right words to say. I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your prayers.

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From there, we continued with a team of 23 people to Tacaná. The town is located quite far up in the mountains, so the bus ride took about 14 hours. The people there have to travel 4 hours to reach the nearest optician, which makes the need for eye care very significant. We were picked up by the military at the airport and taken to our accommodation.

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We were welcomed by a Catholic church that had invited us and took excellent care of us. During the mission, we were able to perform over 146 eye surgeries, conduct eye measurements, and distribute glasses. Through this, many people heard the Good News. We also deeply felt your prayers, which carried us through.

Occasionally, we encountered more complicated cases. For example, there was a patient whose condition the doctors couldn’t clearly diagnose before surgery—it was uncertain whether it was a tumor or a cyst growing near the eye. Thankfully, we were able to remove it successfully, and everything went well, praise God.

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The pastor of the church was greatly encouraged by this mission. He was also very thankful that we could share the Good News so clearly with the people. He and the military have already invited us to return. We are praying for God’s guidance for these missions.

We also conducted missions in Puerto Barrios at El Faro and in Jalpatagua. There too, we strongly felt your prayers and witnessed God’s work.

In Jalpatagua, I had the privilege of meeting a medical student named Clara, who was part of Dr. Recko’s team. Dr. Recko is a Doctor who trains medical residents in the U.S. in the field of eye surgery and often brings residents along on these missions. Clara had initially studied journalism and planned to work in China. However, during her early career, God clearly revealed through a mission trip that she should study medicine to serve Him.

During this mission, I was able to share my story with her, and we had many deep conversations. Through this, she was encouraged not to give up and to give her best for God’s glory. I didn’t realize how much I had encouraged her until she thanked me for it.

I share this only to glorify God, as He uses our stories to encourage others. I also want to encourage you to share your story with others—because you never know how many lives you can inspire through it.

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In this mission, we were once again able to serve many people and proclaim the Good News. It was a very challenging mission, but also greatly blessed. During the week, we performed over 220 eye surgeries, distributed 747 pairs of glasses, and shared God’s Word.

In the last mission, I was assigned as a circulator in the operating room to familiarize myself with this area and be versatile. This role involved training new helpers to assist during surgeries, making decisions, and being available for all questions and needs. It was quite challenging, but I was able to grow in many areas. I was very dependent on all the prayers to act with love in different situations and to make the right decisions.

It is so beautiful to see that God has placed this desire to serve in his heart at such a young age. Whether young or old, we can be an encouragement and a light to everyone.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." – Hebrews 10:24 (ESV)

I had my last mission with the eye surgeries in early November. Christmas and New Year I spended here in Antigua. And in the meantime until the next mission trip I'm working on a sewing project, making surgical caps for the doctors and helpers and also assisting few days a week in the Ministry "Casa David".

"Casa David" is a house where patients who travel long distances specifically for a surgery in Antigua can stay. These patients are invited to spend the night at the house for a small donation. They are often individuals who cannot afford a hotel room but need to arrive a day before surgery for pre-operative examinations. Many of them would otherwise end up sleeping outside on the sidewalk in front of the hospital.

At "Casa David," they are provided with a bed with clean linens, a towel, and hygiene items. They also receive dinner and breakfast. Additionally, before dinner, there is a devotional service where someone shares the Gospel. Many hear for the first time that Jesus desires to have a relationship with us, and many people come to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. I help out there whenever I am in Antigua and they need assistance. I do the laundry and prepare the kits. Sometimes, I help in the kitchen, and I often find myself having conversations with the patients. It brings me joy to help out there and talk with the patients.

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"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." – Matthew 21:22 (ESV)

You are welcome to continue praying for this ministry and for me.

I am thankful for:

- every single supporter
- a new roommate (Eli), who moved in at the end of October
- the many experiences and encounters I have had the privilege of enjoying
- protection during the numerous missions
- health
- good teamwork in the various teams
- the women's Bible study group

Please pray for:
- a smooth settling in and good relationships in the shared apartment
- financial support, as the past year I had fewer income and higher expenses (for various reasons)
- me, that I may be increasingly filled by God and recognize His will in everything

"To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen." – Philippians 4:20;23

I wish you all a blessed New Year 2025!
Be blessed.

In the Lord,
Yours,
Lena

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