NOTE: This is the first in a four part series on the history of Therapy Clinics International (TCI).

I sat in my office in the church, reflecting on the last several years. I had first come to the church as a Bible school student and intern, then continued as the assistant director of the Bible school, then the school director, and now I was serving as the mission director. I had learned important lessons about life and ministry, I had experienced ministry both in the States and around the world, and I had developed great relationships with people in the church and the community. Deep inside me, I longed for something more. The years I had spent at the church were good, but I knew there was more He wanted to do in and through me.   

Reflecting, my mind returned to the Urbana conference from 2000. Over 10,000 college-aged students gathered just after Christmas and into the New Year to learn about world missions. On the last night of the conference, we watched videos of different ministries around the world. I found myself sobbing as I witnessed the effects of civil war and other atrocities on children in Africa. Seeing the people left paralyzed and with other injuries, I broke down crying, “Father, if you want me to use my physical therapy skills on the mission field, I will.”

But how? Only two organizations from that conference sought physical therapists. The one I contacted wanted someone to teach at a major university in another country. I had no doubt this was a true need, but it did not line up with my heart to go to rural areas where most people don’t want to go. The other organization never responded to my request. Not discouraged, I thought of a well-known organization serving around the world and providing medical services and orthopedic surgeries in remote places in Africa. Surely, they would benefit from a physical therapist, but when I called, I was told they had no need for me. 

I continued to ponder this stirring in me. I finally said, “God, if you’re wanting me to use my physical therapy skills on the mission field, I need you to show me how. I don’t know what to do.” A couple from Guatemala came to mind. Sharon Harvey and her husband John were missionaries in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. They had started ASELSI, a non-profit with medical outreach and a Bible school. I had gotten to know them and their ministry a few years before on a mission trip.  Maybe I could go spend a few weeks with them in the summer to see if my physical therapy skills were needed on the mission field. I searched my contacts and sent her an email.

… to be continued next week.