Dr. Joe Civik removing pressure from a girl's thyroid in Africa

GHANA, IVORY COAST AND BENIN (ANS) -- 2007 was pumped with adventure for some Southern California locals. Louis DeMeo, my husband and a previous church-planter in France, was in Africa again in November—but this time with a new angle: medical missions. He took Dr. Joe Civik, a medical doctor from San Diego, with him where Joe set up medical clinics in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Benin.

“I ministered to souls as a pastor while Joe took care of their bodies. My heart ached to hear of people’s ailments—problems that could be relieved if they had a permanent doctor,” says Louis. “I watched while Joe relieved the pressure in one poor girl’s thyroid. He tried to save a man’s infected eye, but it was too late, reminding us that in Africa it’s all too common to lose limbs, babies, and life itself for lack of means. (Many had not seen a doctor in over 10 yrs.!) I kept thinking, “To whom much is given, much is expected”. We have so much compared to them. And I thank God for those who pray and contribute financially so that we can minister to these poor people.”

In Ivory Coast, Louis spoke for the 25th anniversary of Emile Konan’s church in Abidjan. (Konan had previously trained at the Theological Institute in France founded by Louis DeMeo.) 25 pastors with churches in other parts of Ivory Coast came for a pastoral training seminar. Says Louis, “They were so hungry to learn, so humble, like little children. I felt privileged to pour into them knowing they would give back to their congregations. This kind of multiplication makes sense!”

Not bifocals but 2 pairs of glasses

Not bifocals but 2 pairs of glasses. Louis DeMeo gives his extra glasses to his pastor friend

One pastor’s hunger was hindered by his handicap. Not only was he missing an arm, but his eyesight was so poor he could barely read the Bible. While there was no solution for the missing limb, the solution for the impaired vision was simple. Louis gave him a pair of his own.

Beginning in Accra where Dr. Joe performed several medical clinics in a, the two took a 10 hour taxi drive to the border for Ivory Coast where the late hour forced them to spend the night in a dumpy, grimy hotel where the only refreshment they received was to awake to see the heart of Africa in action: Children and women cleaning clothes and bathing in the river outside!

Celebrity Adventures

As if the hotel wasn’t humbling enough, at the border the men there was an aggressive, sleek, wealthy, antagonistic Muslim (talk about spiritual warfare). Still, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise because a military policeman unexpectedly decided to escort them by taxi to their next destination. They then flew through the control checkpoints. “No quibbles. No hassles. Just a wave from our escort and all was good. We were celebrities! (Well, almost). We found out later that this private escort saved us hours and dollars,” says Louis.

Part of the trip was also spent in Benin—where Orphans First helps poor children (www.orphansfirst.org). Louis worked with several churches and spoke in a Four Square church, as well as assisting Dr. Civik with the medical clinics, and counseling with pastors from Nigeria, Togo and Benin.

A poor Mexican boy gets gifts and a hug from Janey DeMeo, founder of Orphans First

“Africa never leaves you. Memories of pin-thin children who are lucky if they eat once a day…women wrapped in brightly colored fabrics—babies on their backs and children at their feet. The smell of “foo-foo” (common starchy dish). The dirt and garbage… And the precious smiles—so grateful for a hug, a kind word, a small gift. You can leave Africa, but she never leaves you. How I love these Africans,” Louis confesses.

Louis DeMeo standing by wheelbarrow of coconuts, “God will provide”

More recently, my husband and I, and a group of Christians from San Diego, gave gifts to poor people in Mexico. Toys were provided from individuals, and some donated to Orphans First specifically for Christmas gifts for poor children.

God will provide

Next year, several more overseas trips are planned to Africa, as well as

to Italy and France in the Spring. “As the side of this wheelbarrow of coconuts boldly proclaims, “God will provide”. How amazing that He invites us to become part of that provision.”

If you’d like to learn more about this Max Missions effort, or contribute financially, contact Louis DeMeo: PastorDeMeo@aol.com / telephone: 760-806-5313.

www.LouisDeMeo.com / www.JaneyDeMeo.com / www.OrphansFirst.org
PastorDeMeo@aol.com / JaneyDeMeo@aol.com

Home-780-806-5313; Louis’s cell-951-294-7733