To be Found Faithful

As you read this, RBI Philippines is attempting to facilitate 13 pediatric cataract surgeries in a little over a week in two widely-separated locations (Manila and Cebu) at multiple hospitals.

(Note: adult cataract surgery is a fairly simple, almost assembly-line process. Children's cataract surgery is a big deal -- need for a constant companion, less compliant patients, full anesthesia, more delicate technique, and more intensive post-op care -- all while the clock is ticking on the optic nerve shutting down after a few years.)

Some months ago we were approached by an organization wanting to fund a project. eMite is a giving platform started by a successful North Carolina businessman who, having himself encountered Christ and learned the joy of giving, wanted to cultivate generosity in others. eMite's approach is to describe a project, gather "mites" online that are applied 100% to the need (they cover the overhead), then carefully document the results with a follow-up video. RBI's role is to line up, transport, and care for the children, arrange the surgeries, and present the Gospel to patients and families.

There will be hiccups. One hospital has already postponed several surgeries, and another 13 or so patients in a

politically-sensitive location will have to wait for additional funding. Some surgical outcomes may be less than optimal.

That said, there is great rest in knowing that our responsibility is to be found faithful to our gracious Lord:

Many of you were stewards in supporting individual surgeries in the past, which laid the groundwork and has now made possible this larger effort by other stewards.
A businessman used what he was entrusted with to provoke others to love and good deeds.
The RBI staff is patiently working sometimes difficult logistics, and will try to faithfully present the Gospel.
The eMite team will do their best to give an account, with video and story.

Please pray for the teams, the children, the families and caretakers, and the medical personnel -- that great physical healing and spiritual fruit would result!