“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship,” Romans 12:1

 I met Dr. Joy on a recent trip to the Philippines and she became one of the unforgettable people in my memory bank. Dr. Joy comes from a third-generation missionary family who has lived their lives to worship and serve Jesus Christ. As a young girl, Joy taught Sunday school to a group of children from impoverished homes and realized the need for medical care. God gave her the yearning to become a nurse and she was accepted into nursing school, graduating at the top of her class. As she was caring for the sick, an American patient asked her, “What is your one desire in life?” She answered, “To become a doctor!” The friend told her he would like to support her and help pay for her medical education. Joy also taught in a nursing school during the week. On Saturdays she would go into the country and organize free medical clinics for Pilipinos who did not have medical services available to them. As she ministered to them, she told them about Jesus and His love for them.

After Joy graduated from medical school in 2007, she launched Health Education and Medical Ministry, serving as full-time resident doctor. Since then, thousands have received free medical services and many have come to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Joy says, “If you ask what will stop me from doing this? Nothing! As long as there are Filipinos who need, but cannot afford medical attention, and cannot avail of basic government health services, our team will be there for them because of our higher calling: to introduce them to Jesus, the Healer of their spiritual sickness.”

I had the privilege to serve the Lord with Dr. Joy this year. She is a person who is full of the joy of the Lord and is tireless in her efforts to serve her people. With her boundless energy, she is able to do 2-3 clinics in a week, going by plane, or island hoping in any available boat. Then, there is usually a “Jeepney” to take her on to her destination. In one day, it’s not unusual for her to do 25-30 circumcisions, plus practice as a general doctor/pediatrician to the many mothers with children who come through the clinics.

There were others I met, unforgettable women who have offered themselves as “living sacrifices” pleasing to God. Dr. Jessica, the dentist, only 5 feet tall, is one of them. She gives her time and talent to serve her people. Because of the many teeth extractions she does, she suffers from back pain and wears a brace. She is unwilling to stop working for Jesus. Then there is “Bong.” What a treasure she is! She is a Director of a Christian school and is teaching children to love and serve the Lord. Her school gets excellent accolades from the community she serves and her students graduate with a high degree of education. I praise the Lord for His servants who live productive lives and serve with passion, joy and love. “I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone,” Titus 3:8.

Your friend, Jean