A Hidden Community of Faith

We recently flew a medical team from California that we’ve worked alongside for years. This team specializes in bringing doctors and dentists to isolated areas, and we handle the logistics of transporting them to remote villages. The elders welcomed the idea of providing medical and dental services but gave them one firm restriction: no discussions of faith or religious beliefs. They explicitly stated that the most we could say was, “God bless you.”

Last month, the full team arrived to begin the clinic. While some drove the long, rugged 3.5-hour road, others flew in just 20 minutes. The team quickly set to work offering medical, dental, and optical care. That evening, as they gathered in the village’s small restaurant for dinner, they prayed over their meal.

To their surprise, the cook stepped out from the kitchen with a smile. “Are you Christians?” she asked. She went on to share that she leads a small group of believers in the village — about 20 people who have been longing for fellowship.

What followed was a time of joyful connection, prayer, and encouragement. This group of believers is now inspired to reach others in their community, and they eagerly await the next clinic.

In a place where we expected barriers, God revealed a hidden community of faith. He’s always at work, even in ways we can’t see.

Written by Kevin McDaniel, UIMA field staff