Wednesday, February 24, 2:30pm - General Hospital

The talk on Robotically Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery was scheduled to begin in the main auditorium at 2:30pm but with Indian Stretchable Time, it meant we would start closer to 3:00. The crowd of 30 Ob/Gyn women physicians were very attentive for the hour long presentation of the da Vinci Surgical Robot. At the end of the question and answer period, David proceeded to tell the women that earlier in his life he was driven to perform in all areas, and this drive controlled him as closely as a robot. It was only when he
realized the freedom that Jesus brings was the drive tempered and focused for good, bringing him freedom.
At the conclusion I was approached by a graceful, yet reserved, young woman of about 30. She introduced herself as Dr. Helen and said that she had been impacted by what Dr. David had said. I thought she might be a Christian, and when I asked her she said yes, that she was involved with St. George Church in Madurai and that she was helping them with some destitute children ministry. She also mentioned that she would like to be trained in Laparoscopy, and even robotically assisted surgery. Dr. Helen said she would like to meet Dr. David, but I could tell that she was timid and very uncomfortable going forward where several of the senior staff physicians were already gathered around him. The Spirit told me they should meet, and I led her down the steps to the stage where David was standing.
After I introduced them, Dr. Rajini and Dr. Helen mentioned that that was the first time they had ever heard the Gospel from that auditorium stage. Dr. Helen began to wipe tears from her eyes as she expressed her thanks for the example of a physician who could integrate a high level of professional expertise and a dynamic Christian witness. It was a huge encouragement for them who, as minority Christians, work in an environment dominated by Hindus. David offered to pray for them and after they quickly agreed, he prayed for their training and work as well as courage for their ministry. Helen was crying as she was surrounded with this prayer.
Afterword Dr. Helen said she would like to get involved in Fishhook’s work to help widows and orphans.  She also expressed that she would like to tell us her testimony.  I could tell from the emotion in her voice that she had experienced sadness and difficulty.
Thank God that David could be such a witness for the Gospel for Hindu and Muslim physicians at the hospital while at the same time give incredible encouragement to these smart and capable Christian women who are working in a difficult environment. We can’t wait to see what God will do in and through Dr. Helen in the next phase in her life.