Perhaps the hospital pastor can help
The young man’s name is Edison M. – He spent three days traveling on buses. He lives in the state of Junin and only traveled to the south because he had heard so many good things about the Diospi Suyana Hospital. His problem: stomach pains for months.
“You’ve come a long way,” I greet my first patient of the day. Edison nods. “If you’ve been suffering from gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) for so long, perhaps you have personal worries that are weighing you down. Edison sighs. “Yes, that’s right!” he whispers softly. “Would you like to talk to our hospital pastor after the examination?” – “Oh yes, that would be a very good idea!”
As soon as the gastroscope is in his stomach, the diagnosis of gastritis can be confirmed.
The next patient was only on the bus for ten hours. She comes from Puno and complains of chronic pain in the stomach area. “Do you have a personal grief that is bothering you?” – My question hits the mark. “Then I would suggest that you have a chat with our pastor later!” – The woman agrees wholeheartedly. “That would be the very best thing!”
And now I ask my third patient the same question of the day: “Do you have serious personal needs?” – The indigenous woman in front of me nods her head imperceptibly. “Is it your husband?” – The Quechua woman doesn’t make a sound but nods sadly. During the endoscopy, I find a serious inflammation with countless ulcers in the stomach.
Of course, medication can get the symptoms of gastritis under control for a while. But this does not treat the underlying cause. A missionary hospital like Diospi Suyana offers more than pills and ointments. Isn’t it written in the Bible that God can give us a peace that is greater than our imagination? At lunchtime I briefly meet our hospital chaplain (pastor). “Have my patients been to talk to you?” – “Yes, I’ve spoken to them,” he says and smiles.” /KDJ
