(At the end of this post, I have a “funny small story” from this trip.)
As I sat there listening to the passionate, venerable nurse speak about her 37 years of serving in the Arabian Desert, I was mesmerized. She had faithfully served in this little desert hospital, appropriately named the Oasis Hospital, in the midst of the United Arab Emirates for over half of her 71 years of life.
Her name was
Gertrude Dyck (CLICK HERE to read about her). She was a Canadian missionary to the people of the Arabian Peninsula. A group of five of us living in Asia had the privilege of spending two days with her and her group in January 2004.
I’m thinking about Ms. Dyck again on this dreary day here in Asia. Though my time with her was minuscule in the grand scheme of things, I am still thinking about her almost ten years later.
During Ms. Dyck’s entire 43 years (she stayed a few more after we were there) of faithful, grinding, gut-wrenching work, their hospital had never seen one person come to faith as a Christian. Not one.
Yet, Gertrude and her colleagues served faithfully, day after day, year after year, decade after decade. Don’t get me wrong, God had blessed their work immensely. They had seen miracle after miracle in simply starting, staying open, and serving the people of this region of the world (and the hospital is stronger today than ever).
Gertrude beamed with excitement as she told of stories of Sheikhs and other local leaders trusting Oasis Hospital with the care of their families (click here to read an honor for this). Many of their medical techniques which they pioneered in the region are now standard operating procedures throughout.
Gertrude talked of the local people becoming more “soft” to the Gospel during her 37 years. She talked of local authorities being more favorable towards Christianity as a result of the Oasis Hospital. She radiated as she talked of the power of prayer.
“We have prayed over these people and this land for half a century. . . God is going to honor this! It might not be during my life, but I am CERTAIN the Lord will use our time and prayer for these people to draw them to Him one of these days.”
Gertrude Dyck was not disappointed over their lack of visible “fruit” or progress during her life. To the contrary; she did not doubt her calling to the Middle East, which she so clearly loved. She never once felt like she had wasted her life serving Christ in the Arabian Desert with not one person becoming a Christian on her watch.
Just thinking about Gertrude on this grey day in Asia is of great encouragement to my soul. Looking back, I learned at least four vital lessons from being with Gertrude Dyck those two days in January 2004.
First, God’s calling trumps all
Gertrude knew God had called her to a difficult work in the Arabian Desert way back in 1962. She knew that it promised a high level of “discomfort” and a low level of “success” in the world’s eyes. However, she went anyway. . . and she stayed.
Gertrude ostensibly gave her life for the people of the Middle East. Her Canadian and American colleagues thought she was wasting her life. When you were with Gertrude, however, you knew beyond a shadow of doubt that she did not regret one single day of serving the Lord in this lonely, desolate field. She was a powerful example of following God’s calling to all us in our group.
Second, God is sovereign and will work on His timetable
God WILL work in this area of the Middle East. God has used this wonderful hospital and the men and women who have lived and died as unsung heroes in the Middle East through this ministry. As Gertrude confidently told us, it might not be in our lives, but it WILL happen. I believe her. I believe her, because. . .
Third. . . God’s Word (and work) will NOT return void
Throughout the Bible, we see clearly that work done in and words spoken of Christ Jesus are NEVER in vain. We may never see the results with our own eyes, but we are assured God will use it ALL for His glory in HIS timing. We see this principle clearly in Isaiah 55:11.
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
God WILL use the good works, words, and prayers of Gertrude and her co-workers all of those years. We are guaranteed. Likewise, He will do the same for you and me.
Fourth, God’s calling is way bigger than visible “fruit” or production
The biggest lesson I learned from being with Gertrude for our brief visit, though, was almost certainly this one. God’s pleasure in His people rests in their faithfulness, heart, and calling, not on external measures and values. In the culture of American Christianity where “bigger is better” is almost always the undercurrent of church growth strategies and we judge “successful” pastors by the size of their sanctuaries, there is little room for people like Gertrude Dyck and countless others like her. For this, I am sad. We have missed the boat on this.
God has always valued “faith, hope, and love” over that of “size, power, and beauty”. I often forget this and need reminding.
Though Gertrude Dyck has since passed on to be with the Jesus she so clearly loved, I am grateful I always have her as an example of joy and faithful service of our Lord.
Funny story. . .
As I sat with a group of four others traveling with me from Asia to the Middle East listening to Gertrude talk of all she had seen and done in her 37 years of working at the Oasis Hospital, I was amazed.
However, she soon turned to some of the more “medical details” of her work in the early days in dealing with women, infertility, and some of their then current medical techniques. I knew I was in trouble.
I have one of the weakest stomachs I know for this type of stuff. Just talking about gross, medical stuff makes me sick. As Gertrude spoke, I literally started seeing the room spin around me. Sweat began flooding through the pores of my face and head. I was dizzy and knew the darkness was coming soon.
In the midst of her powerful presentation, I jumped up, sprinted to the door, and got out of the building as if it were on fire. I knew I needed air, and quickly, or I was going to be out for the count.
I got out just in time, composed myself, and staved off fainting. That WAS embarrassing, but it would have been downright humiliating had I hit floor from just HEARING about some nasty medical stuff. I’m definitely NOT the strong, silent type.
Guess I am not cut from the same fabric of the likes of the great Dr. John Moultrie. . .
Very grateful the Lord didn’t call ME to work at the Oasis Hospital!
She reminds me of a joyful Jeremiah. Both had tough callings with very little fruit but God used them for His glory. In Jeremiah’s case, he was able to prophesy the new covenant despite dealing with stubborn/hard hearts.
Great thoughts on Jeremiah, my friend. Thanks for pointing this out.
Have a great Thanksgiving. . . enjoy your Buckeyes success!
I still remember Robert asking what she wanted to hear when she got to heaven. With tears in her eyes she bit her finger, composed herself, and said “I want to hear, ‘Well done good and faithful servant.'”
Ed
Great stuff, Ed.
Honestly, I think I was outside during the Q&A trying to not faint. I do remember you guys talking about it, though.
What a beautiful testimony to a life well-lived, on God’s terms!!!
I agree, Ann. She was pretty amazing.
Beautiful and
Inspiring.
Hugs
Love you,
CBC
Thanks Mrs. Clarke. . . miss you guys!
Amen! Thank you for sharing this story. Very encouraging. You too are doing a great work in your conner of the world. 🙂
Thanks Ashley. . . hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
I find that I need to remind myself often that I’m not defined by a calling, a ministry, a job, having a family or anything else that I can have/accomplish on this earth. Any calling or opportunity to serve that the Lord allows is yet another opportunity to KNOW HIM and be changed into His image.
Like you said, it is not about size, recognition, people’s approval or visible fruit. God’s calling is truly about “wasting” our lives and considering it all as rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.
I used to wince at reading Luke 17:7-10 but Jesus’ words to his disciples are crystal clear. I am not doing God any favor serving Him, it is my privilege and DUTY.
Great wording! I like your thoughts on “God’s calling is truly about “wasting” our lives and considering it all as rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus”.
Yeah, I also need to reminded of this regularly. This is why I spent an off day simply thinking about and remembering what I learned from this dear lady, Gertrude.
Thanks!
Wow! Thanks for such an encouraging word John. We are going through a tough time as a family and this is so timely. Asante(swahili for thank you).
Mary.
Asante Mary, for your comment!
I am sorry to hear of your family and will pray tonight for you and them.
Such a good reminder! Made me think of Hebrews 11…which always challenges, yet encourages me.
I do hope you and the families where you are will have a very Happy Thanksgiving! Dan, the guy who leads the Turkey Tours, also leads my “connect group” here. Last week we had our dinner. Had forgotten how much I LOVE Thanksgiving…and all that goes with the holiday. Praying Colossians 1:3-12 for you and the big family of yours in Asia! Grace and peace, John!
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Hebrews 11 (actually Hebrews 10-12), so thanks for bringing up a great one!
Thanks for you prayers and thought for us. As you know, it’s always a little rough being away from family and friends during holidays. I’ll pray for you guys also, Alexis.
Thanks!
Gunter thanks for the reminder of Gertrude’s life example of a race well run with a complete finish. It’s examples like Gertrude and Dr. Campbell, that we heard on Sunday here in Dallas, that inspire Christ-likeness and dedication to the journey God has us on for a lifetime. We often see well-deserved examples made of great generals, athletes, or business men that inspire us all. But when you see a Christ-like example of a life filled with serving God and others, it brings tears of motivation for a life to be lived in service for every endeavor. Thanks again and may we hear and highlight more examples through our life that will encourage us to finish well.
I do also remember some of the medical discussion…
Yes, I remember Gertrude and have quoted her often when she said what she hoped to hear from the Lord what the rich man said to the most productive of the stewards in the parable of the steward. The Ironically the parable was about faithfulness in productivity. I admire Gertrude for the faithfulness and only God knows how many seeds were planted by her and what happened to those seeds. At the same time (and I am not going to win any popularity votes with what I am going to say), I am torn between admiring her and fear of romanticizing a missionary career of ineffectiveness. There, I said it. Let the stones fly. On one hand, I tell myself that in the economics of Heaven effectiveness is not measured purely by how may people come to faith. On the other hand, I am concerned that some missionaries sometimes loose their way. Certainly a woman as tenacious as Gertrude would be an awesome discipler given the opportunity and if she had been a part of a more effective strategy. So back and forth I go, admiring Gertrude for the past ten years for her faithfulness while at the same time wondering if in a different setting than that hospital she might have had a more fruitful ministry. Perhaps if she had gone to a refugee camp. Yes, I know we all want to believe she was led to where she spent those decades. But is that a given. Is it possible she wasn’t led? Or that she wasn’t supposed to stay there that long? For now, I will continue to admire her faithfulness and let God take care of the effectiveness question.
Robert, great hearing from you! It’s been way too long. You guys’ name still often come up over here. Please give Deanna my best.
You know, I remember having the same discussion as a group in our van driving around there in the desert. I think I am going to fall into the entire “she was faithful to God’s calling” category, but I do see your thoughts here.
Man, I would kill to have all the guys of that trip back together for a meal. What a great time!
Hope you are well, my friend.
A meal? Let’s do a trip!
I could not agree more. . . that would be tremendous!
John, thanks for sharing – certainly a nice reminder for some of us. Great story, too!
Yeah, you might know a person or two who can relate to this.
Good talking (kind of) yesterday!