The Anthis Family Adventures
Volume 3, Issue #6 joel.anthis@sim.org www.anthisfamily.com October, 2004
Anthis Update
Dear Friends and Family,
Greetings to all of you who do the real work of missions, PRAY! We are grateful for your partnership with us as we minister the love of Christ here in Nigeria. The rains are almost over and the long dry season is beginning. We have marked the first anniversary of our work here and we have settled down in our new home. Joel traveled to the States last month to attend the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology. It was a good time of learning and networking with others in his specialty. He was able to share at the Christian Society of Otolaryngology prayer breakfast, which was particularly encouraging. Several ENT surgeons he met are seriously considering coming out for a short mission trip.
Medical Rounds
Here’s some follow-up from our last letter. We received many e-mails regarding the fate of the chicken that Joel received as a gift from the mother of his patient. We finally ate it in chicken taco soup! Joel was invited to a special Thanksgiving service at the Church of the family who gave us the chicken. He attended and was greatly encouraged to hear the testimony of how God used him in the life of this young boy. The family was especially grateful that when they ran out of money, we were able to provide for the rest of the hospital bill. They were going to leave the hospital before their son had received the surgery he needed. We would like to thank all of our supporters who provide the ministry funds that allow us to pay for the medical care of some of our patients who simply could not afford any care otherwise. This is becoming a larger part of our ministry, and it is such a privilege to demonstrate Christ’s love in this way.
Joel at the Thanksgiving service with the mother and baby
In our last letter we also mentioned that Joel had done his first stapedectomy (ear bone replacement surgery) here in Nigeria. His patient returned for her one month follow-up and her hearing in the operative ear was completely normal! We praise God for His healing hand in the restoration of this patient’s hearing. We pray she will be the first of many!
Since our arrival in Nigeria, Joel has been experienced many medical challenges. A young girl presented to the hospital in September having swallowed a coin four months earlier. She had not been able to swallow food for four months! She was only able to get small sips of water down. She had visited several other hospitals without successful treatment. Joel was able to pass a scope down her esophagus (swallowing tube) and remove the coin. It had been there so long the center was worn through by stomach acid. We thank God that despite the fact it had remained for so long, no permanent damage was done. Joel also sees lots of airway foreign bodies and just brought back the life-saving equipment to treat these patients as well. We praise the Lord for His generous provision of this important equipment. (Please see the latest medical blog on our website at www.anthisfamily.com if you want to see more of our medical ministry).
Joel having removed a coin from a young girl’s esophagus
Kid’s Corner
We are gearing up for the kids’ Fall break from school. They will be off from October 1st- October 11th. We are all looking forward to a family outreach trip to the country of Niger. Niger is the country to the north of Nigeria, and the population there is 99% Muslim. We will be traveling to an SIM hospital in Galmi where Joel will be doing surgery and we will all be sharing the love of Christ. There are no ENT surgeons in the entire country, and the doctors at Galmi have been saving up patients for Joel. Cindy hopes to work in the hospital clinic and go on some community outreaches. The kids are excited about the possibility of riding camels, donkey carts, and visiting with friends we met in SIM orientation. Austin was also excited to hear that Galmi is in the Sahara desert and so no fresh fruits or vegetables are available! But we are bringing several coolers full of fresh produce to give as gifts to the missionaries in Galmi.
Cindy packing fresh produce to take to the missionaries serving at Galmi Hospital in Niger
Austin has started fourth grade, Allison has started second grade, and they both are enjoying their new teachers. Abigail continues to stay home with mom, but also attends “playgroup” three mornings a week.
Abigail playing dress-up with her friend Jacobed
Prayer and Praise
Praises:
- Praise God that the rebuilding of our compound’s security wall is over 80% completed.
- Praise God for allowing us to feel at home and for sustaining us during our first year here.
- Praise God for His provision of healing for the patients that Joel and Cindy are ministering to.
- Praise for continued progress in all aspects of developing an ENT practice that will effectively extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ here in Nigeria (and beyond!)
Prayer Requests:
- For our outreach trip to the country of Niger (Oct.2-10th). For safety on the 12+ hour trip.
- For the patients we will see in Niger, that their hearts will be opened to hear the truth.
- That we “would not grow weary in doing good”
- Pray for Nigeria, that the unrest over fuel prices would come to a peaceful conclusion
- For continued growth in Christ-likeness for each member of our family
In Christ,
Joel and Cindy
Austin, Allison, and Abigail