It is time to once again put one of my favorite poems by Saint Teresa of Avila into action: “Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion for the world is to look out, yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good, and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.” I truly believe my life is my message, and I strive to let my good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise my heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16).  It is humbling to know that God is willing to use us for His mission, and I am so thankful He is calling me back to Tanzania.

Our trip is planned for January 20-31, 2017. I will be involved in providing pediatric dermatology care, along with a team of other medical professionals, for children in special needs centers and orphanages, especially those with albinism. Albinism is a genetic condition that causes children to be born without pigment in their skin, hair and eyes which leads to skin cancers and visual impairment. There is much misconception and false information about persons with albinism (PWA) in Tanzania where up to 1 in 2000 people are affected by this condition.  Unfortunately, due to lack of education about the need for sun protection and the limited number of physicians available to treat their skin cancers, less than 10% of those with albinism will live until 30 years of age and less than 2% will survive until the age of 40. Sadly, many children with albinism are placed in orphanages in an effort to protect them. This is because their body parts are thought to have special powers by local witch doctors. Tragically in their communities, they are hunted, mutilated and even murdered with trafficking of their body parts. Thankfully due to the passionate work of many, there has been some progress in improving their situation, but unfortunately these children are often forgotten and forsaken.  This trip will allow us to not only treat their physical needs with medications for their skin problems and surgery for their skin cancers, but it will also allow us to minister to their sweet souls.

I have no doubt this trip has the potential to make a significant impact in the lives of many children who are in need, and I would be very grateful for your support to help me get there! I am asking you to please consider making a donation to this cause, which is 100% tax deductible. I would also be very thankful for your positive thoughts and prayers as we prepare to GO!