In a painting
The pictures on the screen change by the second. Watching them are two health officials living through Diospi Suyana’s development. Six aniseed fields in 2005 have turned into a modern hospital 16 years later. Without a doubt one of the success stories of our time. In the final minutes of my presentation I home in on the constant difficulties that we encounter with people envious of us and bureaucrats.
Then the two ladies stand up and want to have a closer look at the missionary hospital’s blood bank; for that is the main reason why they left the regional capital Abancay at the crack of dawn this morning. Just as I am about to lead the way through the door I catch sight of an unframed picture to the left of the cupboard.
Immediately I pick it up and purposefully slowly say: “A German pastor drew this painting and gave it to me years ago. It is about a verse from the Prophet Isaiah who back in antiquity described our situation today so fittingly. I myself am the man on the floor!”
In Isaiah 40,31 is written: “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (NIV)
Turning to the directors of the health authority I make the following concluding comment: “At Diospi Suyana we are often totally exhausted and feel unable to stand up to all the crises facing us. But time and time again God gives us the strength not to give up!” The two Peruvians nod pensively. They understand what I mean.
They left our hospital at lunch time. I heard that they were quite content with our blood bank./KDJ
