Evangelising through clinics

By CRETILDA ALOKAKA
AMERICAN Missionaries have been providing medical evangelism and shelter to displaced babies and children in Eastern Highlands for more than 30 years, says a missionary.
Missionaries William and Lori Smith administer the Seigu Baptist Clinic and Baby Ministry.
William Smith is the field team leader for the Association of Baptist for World Evangelism and wife Lori is the clinic’s officer-in-charge.
William said the healthcare service was a channel used to share the word of God to locals that sought medical assistance.
He said the clinic was situated between the Bena and Unggai sub-districts and had been providing outpatient care such as treating injuries, pneumonia, fractured arms or legs, Coronavirus (Covid-19) testing and childbirth services.
“We have clinic outreach or mobile clinics that go up to the mountains or to places that have no access to medical services and we also use this as an opportunity to spread the word of God,” Smith said.
“My wife and I adopted 50 babies and we are taking care of them. Although we’re financially struggling, through the grace of God, we are able to take care of these babies.”
He said it is always a blessing to see people accept the Lord as their saviour.
“It is one of the best feelings to see people come to know the Lord and repent their sins, apart from the medical treatment they receive,” he said.
William described the work as modeling the role of Jesus Christ.
“Jesus healed the wounded, fed the hungry and most importantly shared his love to his people,” he said.
Smith said the clinic received up to 5,000 patients a month.