I initially
supported the Christian Veterinary Mission as long ago as the early 1980s. I had
always felt a drawing to foreign countries and was interested in the possibility
of doing some mission work. During the late eighties and nineties, however,
other interests captivated my heart.
During the last
7 to 8 years, I have again become involved with the Christian Veterinary Mission
(CVM), rekindling the desire in my heart to also serve in other countries.
During this time, I have been active with CVM in what is called “Work Place
Ministry”, which involves using the workplace to share the Gospel of Christ with
employees and others. I have also participated with many Real Life/Real Impact
programs that have allowed me to travel and share my faith at different
universities to tell veterinary students how we share our faith, both in our
practice and by living it in our daily lives.
My interest in a
mission trip has been steady, but a recent series of events has been a catalyst
for planning this mission trip to Mongolia. At
a CVM breakfast veterinary meeting in January of this year, a total stranger
addressed me and told me that I needed to go on a mission trip to Mongolia. I
had never met this man before and have had no contact since. Divine
appointment?? After that incident, I
continued to think about doing the trip.
In May, I called
the CVM office in Seattle and discussed the possibility of a trip with CVM
Director Kit Flowers. We discussed Mongolia and decided that he would get in
touch with veterinarians there to see if there was a need.
Interestingly enough, an hour later
another CVM employee (who had no knowledge of my conversation with Dr. Flowers)
called to see if I was interested in going on a short-term mission.
Finally, as
planning for the trip continued, while folding some clothes at home one day I
prayed - was this something the Lord really wanted me to do? After this prayer,
I sat down to read a devotional and journal I had been keeping. This was the
verse and thought for that day.
Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel. Mark 16:15Thought for the Day- My child, do not
chafe the bit. It is I who have put it in your mouth. You question my direction.
But I would have you take a path that is quite different from the paths of your
friends and it is because I would bring you into a place in Me and do not
falter, be gripped with the one consuming purpose to find the place I have for
you!
The answer was clear at this point. I am now
planning to travel with CVM for three weeks in late October and early November.
Christian Vet Mission has built a strong
veterinary presence in the country of Mongolia with both small and large animal
veterinary clinics. The new large animal clinic was slated to open during the
summer of 2009. Along with many
individual animal needs, there are numerous endemic health problems. For
example, an estimated 80% of the Yaks (a Mongolian cow), and possibly a large
percentage of the human population, are infected with brucellosis.
Water is contaminated in many areas and
only bottled water can safely be consumed. Hepatitis
A and B, and typhoid are endemic and common.
Christianity was
introduced to Mongolia only in the 1990’s. Buddhism
and Atheism have a strong cultural foothold.
My desire is not
only to share the Gospel of Christ, but to do whatever I can humbly do to assist
in veterinary problems in the country.
Please first and
foremost consider being a prayer partner who is dedicated to praying for me
daily for the next weeks – five weeks of preparation and three weeks in
Mongolia. A prayer request list can
be
viewed
here.
Second, please
consider donating for the trip and time in Mongolia. Even though expenses are
reasonable, it is still a major undertaking. A tax deductable donation can be
made through Christian Veterinary Mission. Drop of a check to me and it will be
forwarded to them and a receipt mailed to you. Or a donation can be made online.
To donate
online, go to www.cvmusa.org and then to
Missions / Short Term / Donate to ST Missions.
Click on “Donations to Individual Accounts.” There is a box called
Designation with a drop-down menu.
Select my name ‘Dr. Eugene Ulmanis’ from that list and then finish filling out
the form. The funds will go directly
into my short-term mission account UCVSTM1240.
Please let me know if you have any
questions.
THANK YOU for your consideration.
“Not by might,
not by power but by the Spirit, says the Lord. Zechariah 4:6”
Gods Blessings,
Doc
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