Identity Crisis

Well, a whole new phase of my life has begun. For the first time in 12 years, I am not a full-time pediatrician. I am working two days a week at my practice and spending the rest of the week working from home. I don't feel any different, but my sense of identity is shifting. I'm no longer just a pediatrician. I can't say I feel like a missionary though. But, I'm not sure what that is supposed to feel like. So, I guess I'm "the pediatrician headed to the mission field". In any case I know that I am where God has led me and that is a good way to be identified.

Starting August 1, I began the process of fund raising which will enable me to move to and work in Mali. I'm already amazed at what God is doing and who He is using in this process. Raising support is one of the most interesting "jobs" I've ever had. It is exciting, uncomfortable, humbling, and even fun.

It is exciting to see the Lord orchestrate meetings, speaking engagements, and events that will bring more exposure to the needs in Mali and the work I'll be involved with.

It is uncomfortable because....well, let's face it....it's never easy to ask for help. But, I'm learning to move past the discomfort and awkwardness and seek help from others. My "pride issues" are being challenged, to say the least. I know that is a good thing.

It is humbling as I watch people give to a vision that I have shared with them. They give because they believe in what I'm going to do. I am filled with a overwhelming sense of gratitude each time a new person joins me in this work through their giving.

It is fun because I get to meet amazing people. I never knew so many people share a passion for Africa, for treating the sick and for helping those in need, all in the name of Jesus. I love watching the body of Christ work together.

So, I'll just lay it out to anyone who reads this. I need help. Without reservation I am prepared to go to Mali and live and work and help as much as I can. I cannot do it alone. I need your prayers, first and foremost. I know the excitement and adventure will sustain me for awhile, but those things will wear off. Your prayers will make a difference. I need monthly financial supporters...those who will give on a monthly basis to enable me to live and work. I believe God calls some to go and some to send. If the Lord lays it on your heart to be a part of my support team, please let me know. Thanks so much. Be well

Jason

479-685-1077

malipeds@gmail.com

Honduras 2009

This is me with my dear friends Ryan and Sarah McClain in Yamaranguila, Honduras. We traveled there with a group of college students from New Heights Church in Fayetteville.

This little guy jumped in to help us lay the foundation on a house. Most people in this village have dirt floors which leads to more health problems. Be providing a cement floor the incidence of disease can drop dramatically.

Its all about the kids. They laugh and smile constantly.

We did a medical clinic up in the mountains in a remote village. Part of the care included shampooing and de-lousing the kids hair. Our college students were amazing and worked hard.

The Opalaca Mountains, Honduras

We ended the week with an afternoon at the beach before flying out the next morning. This may be my last visit to Honduras. But, looking forward to Africa.

Koutiala Hospital Website

The new website for Koutiala Women and Children's Hospital is up and running. See the link under my profile picture. It makes me excited to see the photos and the progress of the construction. I can't wait to get there.

Moving Forward

Wow, how time flies. A lot has happened in the past six weeks. On Sunday, May 31, I was commissioned by the Christian & Missionary Alliance at a wonderful service in Louisville, KY. It was a special weekend for me as my parents came to support me and be a part of the event. I guess its official now. Then I spent the week of June 6-12 at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL for Pre Field Orientation. The Alliance provides this training for all their new missionaries. It was very interesting and helpful. We received training on language learning, conflict resolution, building resilience and wholistic ministry. It should all come in handy. I probably need to practice better conflict resolution now!! My family might agree.

So, as it looks now, I'll be leaving for language school in France in January 2010. I'll be going to the Institut Catholique in Paris for a semester. I am really excited about this next step. After language school I'll go on to Tropical Medicine school in Antwerp, Belgium for a semester. That will be a challenge since I'll have to do university level courses IN FRENCH!! I hope I'll be ready. I'm excited but nervous about that. Anyone who wants a trip to Europe in 2010, let me know.

What a relief!

Well, I'm one step closer!! I put my house on the market less than a month ago. As you might expect, I need to sell it before I can head to Mali. This week I got an offer, I counter offered and we met in the middle. So, the papers have been signed and we close on May 28th. I'm amazed that it happened so smoothly and in such a short time. The Lord continues to confirm this move to Africa. What a relief!

There have been so many things fall into place over the past few months. It amazes me. The thought of leaving my medical practice, Bentonville Pediatrics, has been one of the hardest things about leaving. My partner Kim and I started the practice seven years ago this summer. It has been one of the best experiences. I love working there. I love the kids. We have an incredible staff. I'm going to miss it terribly. Over the past few months several things have happened that will make it a little easier to leave. One of the biggest issues was finding someone to take my place in the practice. Well, we were approached a few weeks ago by a pediatrician friend who is looking to make a move. Seems our practice will be a perfect fit. He'll start, Lord willing, in about a month. What a great relief!!

The other part of the puzzle was finding a business manager to help run the business side of the practice. Kim and I have done a lot of that since the beginning because we enjoy it so much. Well, wouldn't you know, someone dropped out of the sky who is perfectly qualified. She started a couple of weeks ago and is doing a great job. What a relief!! Now, after only three weeks, my house has sold. I'm not one who looks for signs around every corner, but I'm convinced the Lord's hand has been in all of this. Things have fallen into place perfectly. I even have a house to go live in until I leave in January.
More later.....

Nine months and counting

It's April 8, 2009 and the reality is really starting to set in.....I'm moving to Mali!!! I am amazed as I look back over the past year and see how God's hand has moved me toward this move. I feel like I'm being swept along in something bigger than myself. Its scary and comforting at the same time. The unknown is scary, but the comfort comes in knowing that God has ordained this.

This all started about two years ago when I attended a Global Missions Health Conference. From there I decided I needed to see some medical mission work first hand. In the summer of 2008 I traveled to West Africa and visited mission hospitals in Niger and Mali. It was so fun to be back in Africa.

I also spent time in Thailand and had the chance to work on the Thai-Burma border at a refugee camp for displaced Karen Burmese. This people group is being systematically killed and persecuted by the Burmese Army. It's one of the worst human rights situations in the world.

So, after my summer of traveling I was excited when I was invited to join the team working at the Women and Children's Hospital in Koutiala, Mali.

Mali is a country of 12 million people. It is a Muslim country. Less than 1% of the population is Christian. The primary language is Bambara, but French is also spoken since Mali is a former French colony. Timbuktu is in Mali, which I think is really cool. I can't wait to see it!!

The life expectancy in Mali is around 38 years old. One in five children die before the age of five years old, mostly of malnutrition and preventable diseases. The hospital is bringing medical care to an area of extreme poverty and disease. The more I've learned about the need, the more I feel compelled to respond. I can't wait to get there.

The way things look now, I'll be leaving the states to go to language school in France in January 2010. After that I'll go to Tropical Medicine school for a few months before arriving in Mali.

Ok, that's a quick recap of the past year or two and how this has all come about. More later....