Heart Screening in Jordan

Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Taking Time for Each Child
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Early this morning Israeli cardiologist Akiva Tamir finished the screening of 30 Iraqi children (and one Jordanian), setting a new Shevet record by working nonstop from 6:30 a.m. Tuesday until well after midnight. He took time to thoroughly examine each child, often resorting to antics and banter to calm his wary young patients:

About a dozen of our coworkers worked tirelessly alongside Dr. Tamir to record medical histories and vital signs as well as the final diagnoses, to transport the families to and from their hotel, and to feed and entertain the children (and occasionally persuade their doctor to eat something as well).

We emerged from the day with 21 clear invitations to surgery as well as another three under discussion. Four children need no surgery, and three were found to have no medical hope for treatment.

Five children are staying with us in Jordan for immediate transfer to Israel, and we said farewell to the remaining families this morning as they left to fly back to Iraq.

You may help sponsor surgeries for these children by clicking here.

Monday, June 1, 2009
Meeting With God's Grace
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We've just finished our orientation with the 30 Iraqi families in preparation for tomorrow's heart screening--and all the grace we asked for was there.

We welcomed the group with the story of the friends of the paralyzed man who did whatever they had to do to get him to Jesus. We told the Muslim parents they too have gone to great lengths for their children, and they've come to the right place, because we are here in the name of the Lord. And the first reply of Jesus to the paralyzed man--"your sins are forgiven"--shows that he has come to heal all of our hearts. Each family was able to read the words of Jesus themselves after receiving the gift of a Kurdish New Testament.

Next we sang to the families the Arabic worship song "Athimun," which praises God for his awesome love, faithfulness, freedom, and healing. And then (surprise) we sang it to them in Kurdish. Our coworker Justin said he wasn't sure how that would go over, until he looked up and saw all the families' cell phones pulled out to record it on video. Donna said she saw some crying.

Seeing all the families together at once left a powerful impression on us all. Emily said it was humbling to see people already so incredibly grateful when we've done so little, and heartwrenching to see the desperation of their need. "Holding a blue baby, it's hard to get more tangible than that."

Almost all the families seem already so very open-hearted. Several came up to ask for prayer at the end of the meeting, before we enjoyed a delicious meal together from the "Blessing" restaurant. Indeed we are blessed. Thank you for praying, and please remember us and the beautiful families during the screening which begins tomorrow at 6:30 am local time.