On Thursday we asked for prayer regarding our Medical Mercy team and a last-minute change in visa requirements and potential customs problems. Dr. Beyda writes of the team's arrival:

I spent about 20 minutes with 2 customs supervisors, discussing, arguing, pleading, begging, and asking nicely to let our almost 1000 pounds of medical supplies and medicines through. The letters from the minister of health was brought out, the inventory of the meds and equipment as well, and yes the picture. The picture of a team I brought here 2 years ago standing next to the president of Ethiopia.

It didn’t help. Well, okay maybe a little. We got it all through, none confiscated, no duty taxes paid! We are missing one box with medical supplies and 3 team members are missing their personal luggage.

So, with prayers answered we have arrived. A few glitches, but acceptable. It is now midnight here, and we leave early  in the morning for Zeway, a 2-3 hour drive south to the village community where we will spend a few days. There is no internet service there, and there is no data service on my phone either. I’m using the internet at the hotel we are staying at overnight in Addis, but don’t expect much after this. I’ll keep writing and blogging and saving it to be be posted once we get to place that has service. It’s the best we can do.

I am reflecting on a part of the mission we do, and that is humility. It will not be about us, but about those we come to serve. It’s hard to do, but worthy of what is expected of us. And so it begins.

In all things give thanks,

David Beyda

Thank you for praying with us. God is so good, and we eagerly anticipate what He will do through the hearts and hands of this volunteer medical team.