6 days to go!

Greetings! We were asked to introduce ourselves prior to embarking on our medical trip to Goma (leaving in a few days). I suppose I'm the first to post (which is not typical).
My name is Ashley Lundberg, I do not attend CPC regularly, however I am an active member at Calvary Baptist Church in Minneapolis (a partnering church of CPC). I currently work in Minneapolis as an emergency room RN. Traveling the world and meeting people who are actively engaged in movements of redemption and restoration is a huge blessing I have been able to share in over the years.

HEAL Africa has been on my heart in and in my mind for the past 2 year since I have heard of the incredible work that is being done there. A holist approach to healing is utilized at HEAL Africa hospital, as individual bodies are physically restored, spiritual and psychological healing is invested in, and societies at large are transformed as victims of violence reenter their communities following recovery.

Women who have been victimized by sexual violence have left me feeling a special burden. Having worked as a sexual assault nurse in the past, I understand that wounds of sexual violence run much deeper than can be imagined. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, rape has been used as a weapon of war to intimidated men and women, scatter villages, and slowly destroy societies where women traditionally hold communities together.

HEAL Africa provides reconstructive medical procedures, psychological support, and economic assistance to survivors of such gender-based violence. When women are invested in, everyone benefits.
I believe God has given each of my team members the skills and knowledge to work in the medical field, to help bring healing to many. As we travel to Goma to work with the medical staff of HEAL Africa, we hope encourage them, as we in turn, continue to be inspired by their faithful work.

Lord, open our eyes, that we may see You in our brothers and sisters.
Lord, open our ears, that we may hear the cries of the hungry, the cold, the frightened, the oppressed.
Lord, open our hearts, that we may love each other as you love us.
Renew in us Your spirit.
Lord, free us and make us one.                          -Mother Teresa