Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Another life changed.
On the Africa Mercy we hear about life change almost every day. The amazing surgeries that are done here can change the future of an individual. Cleft lip and palate repair can enable a starving baby to have a chance at survival just by being able to eat properly for the first time. Cataract removal can provide immediate sight to someone born blind due to congenital cataracts. Hernia repairs can give a young man a chance to go back to work and provide for his family. Removal of disfiguring head and neck tumors can remove the stigma associated with just looking different and the belief that it is due to a demonic spirit. Release of severe scarring due to extensive burns can allow once nonfunctional hands, arms, and legs to move freely again and allow the patient to be able to get a job and a chance at a future. Even though these procedures are life-changing, they can truly only be temporary. Our prayer at Mercy Ships is that this does provide hope and healing and will eventually point a lost person to eternity-changing salvation, which is permanent hope and healing.
One of the misconceptions about Mercy Ships is that every volunteer is a Christian and every patient we treat are Christians. Yes, the vast majority of Mercy Ships volunteers do profess salvation through Christ. However, we do get some volunteers that are/do not. Many of those come with a deep, honest, and sincere desire to help the less fortunate and poor of the world. I don't think we would ever discourage someone from sharing their medical, surgical, technical, maritime, or any "secular" job skills from volunteering. We'll stand along side and work together just the same to show love and compassion to the less fortunate. And every now and then even the volunteer experiences a little life-change.
A few weeks ago we had a volunteer Physician from Europe. He came for 2 weeks to provide his expertise in the operating room. He had done "humanitarian" work for years and learned about Mercy Ships through his travels. After spending a few days alongside our Crew he noticed there was something a little different about this organization. The compassion was different. The attitude was different. These PEOPLE were different. He spent the next few days asking a lot of questions about faith and God and Jesus from one of our Chaplains. And just before he left to go home he prayed to receive Christ as HIS Lord and Savior, celebrated communion, and became a part of the family of God! Another life was changed - this time not on the operating room table, but in the heart of a volunteer Physician from Europe. And all it took was the example of a few people in the operating room to show that true hope and healing - eternal hope and healing - can only come from the personal relationship we have through our Heavenly Father through His only Son, Jesus Christ.
The Bible is full of examples of Jesus healing people of their physical condition. But He always looked deeper at the condition of the heart. Yes, He healed many, but they all eventually still died of something. His desire was to seal their eternity, not just the few years that they had left on Earth. We do provide life-changing surgeries here on the ship. But our desire is to change their eternities as well. And every now and then, even a crew member gets a life-change!
One of the misconceptions about Mercy Ships is that every volunteer is a Christian and every patient we treat are Christians. Yes, the vast majority of Mercy Ships volunteers do profess salvation through Christ. However, we do get some volunteers that are/do not. Many of those come with a deep, honest, and sincere desire to help the less fortunate and poor of the world. I don't think we would ever discourage someone from sharing their medical, surgical, technical, maritime, or any "secular" job skills from volunteering. We'll stand along side and work together just the same to show love and compassion to the less fortunate. And every now and then even the volunteer experiences a little life-change.
A few weeks ago we had a volunteer Physician from Europe. He came for 2 weeks to provide his expertise in the operating room. He had done "humanitarian" work for years and learned about Mercy Ships through his travels. After spending a few days alongside our Crew he noticed there was something a little different about this organization. The compassion was different. The attitude was different. These PEOPLE were different. He spent the next few days asking a lot of questions about faith and God and Jesus from one of our Chaplains. And just before he left to go home he prayed to receive Christ as HIS Lord and Savior, celebrated communion, and became a part of the family of God! Another life was changed - this time not on the operating room table, but in the heart of a volunteer Physician from Europe. And all it took was the example of a few people in the operating room to show that true hope and healing - eternal hope and healing - can only come from the personal relationship we have through our Heavenly Father through His only Son, Jesus Christ.
The Bible is full of examples of Jesus healing people of their physical condition. But He always looked deeper at the condition of the heart. Yes, He healed many, but they all eventually still died of something. His desire was to seal their eternity, not just the few years that they had left on Earth. We do provide life-changing surgeries here on the ship. But our desire is to change their eternities as well. And every now and then, even a crew member gets a life-change!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
We're in Africa!!
Hey! We're here now in Lome, Togo! Here is our new contact information:
ADDRESS:
The Trapnells
c/o Mercy Ships CREW MAIL
PO Box 2020
Lindale, Texas 75771
(use "VIA CONTAINER" if sending large packages instead of "CREW MAIL" - we get charged $8/lb when we receive packages via crew mail. It's free via container, but it may take 6-8 weeks to receive here in Africa.)
PHONE:
1-954-538-6110 (x7217)
The call charges are like a long-distance call to Florida.
EMAIL:
drkktrap@yahoo.com
melissatrap@yahoo.com
We'd love to hear from you!!
Kevin and Melissa
ADDRESS:
The Trapnells
c/o Mercy Ships CREW MAIL
PO Box 2020
Lindale, Texas 75771
(use "VIA CONTAINER" if sending large packages instead of "CREW MAIL" - we get charged $8/lb when we receive packages via crew mail. It's free via container, but it may take 6-8 weeks to receive here in Africa.)
PHONE:
1-954-538-6110 (x7217)
The call charges are like a long-distance call to Florida.
EMAIL:
drkktrap@yahoo.com
melissatrap@yahoo.com
We'd love to hear from you!!
Kevin and Melissa
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
We're in Texas!!
We made it!! How you can partner with us:
1) Prayer Support - we need you to pray for us, specifically for our family's training in Texas, our move and transition to Africa and ship life, physical health and safety in traveling, and for us to see and experience the hand of God at work around the world - not just in the African patients, but in the 1500+ volunteers that we will meet over the next year.
Update on Stephen
On December 24th, Melissa and I took Stephen to the Shriner's Hospital in Greenville, SC, for a second opinion regarding his foot and ankle problem. It was a great visit! The Surgeon and staff were extremely supportive, encouraging, knowledgeable, and friendly! This Shriner's Hospital is apparently the Southeastern regional referral center for this type of Orthopedic problem. The Surgeon already knew what the best procedure would be and the best timetable for scheduling the surgery. We were also able to meet with a Prosthetist who has had over 30+ years experience with this sort of problem. Stephen was also accepted into the Shriner's program and will be cared for until he is 18 years old - with or without medical insurance - including any and all custom-made prosthetics he will need! What a huge answer to prayer! We have tentatively scheduled surgery for October 16th in Greenville, so please be in prayer for that as well. It would be a 12-week process from surgery to walking. Melissa would have to remain in the US for the duration, but I would likely have to return to Africa after a month. There are still a lot of details to work out before then.
Our new address while in Texas:
We finally arrived at the Mercy Ships International Operations Center on Tuesday, January 2nd. After a week of packing, donating, and giving away, we made the trek from Georgia to Lindale, Texas. We were able to get the remainder of our "stuff" onto a moving truck and only filled up the front 20% of it! We have placed half of it in the warehouse to be shipped over by container ship to arrive when we get to Africa. Lindale is in East Texas, and we are at least 10+ minutes from the nearest Wal-Mart - hopefully we will survive! Emily and Will have already made friends with 2 children going with us to Africa with their parents, as well as several other children who live on the IOC campus. There are apparently trampolines in East Texas, too!
It's been a great few days so far. Emily and Will started school last week in the local Van Elementary School. Melissa's mom, Elaine, also came to Texas with us to help out with Stephen while we are in class and training each day - she's been a huge help so far. We met our Gateway team Saturday - we have new friends from the United Kingdom (England), South Africa, California, Pennsylvania, and Texas. We'll spend the next 5 weeks developing our relationships with God, each other, and we will learn how to live in a community of 400+ diverse people from over 30 different countries. The next 5 weeks are packed full, and we will fly out to Togo on February 16th. I can't believe it is finally here! We'll try to keep everyone up to date by newsletter and Facebook - so "friend" us on Facebook if you haven't already!
It's been a great few days so far. Emily and Will started school last week in the local Van Elementary School. Melissa's mom, Elaine, also came to Texas with us to help out with Stephen while we are in class and training each day - she's been a huge help so far. We met our Gateway team Saturday - we have new friends from the United Kingdom (England), South Africa, California, Pennsylvania, and Texas. We'll spend the next 5 weeks developing our relationships with God, each other, and we will learn how to live in a community of 400+ diverse people from over 30 different countries. The next 5 weeks are packed full, and we will fly out to Togo on February 16th. I can't believe it is finally here! We'll try to keep everyone up to date by newsletter and Facebook - so "friend" us on Facebook if you haven't already!
1) Prayer Support - we need you to pray for us, specifically for our family's training in Texas, our move and transition to Africa and ship life, physical health and safety in traveling, and for us to see and experience the hand of God at work around the world - not just in the African patients, but in the 1500+ volunteers that we will meet over the next year.
2) Financial Support - as of January 1st, we are about $30,000 short of our goal for the first 2+ years. We have been blown away by God's provision and the generosity of so many of you so far! Currently, we are about $1000/month short of our monthly goals. If you feel God's leading and are able, we would love for some of you to partner with us monthly - whether $25, $50, $100, $200, or more. You can click on the link below and it will take you to the donation site of our blog. Donations can be designated as a one-time gift, or monthly, quarterly, or annually. All gifts are tax-deductible and Mercy Ships will send you a tax receipt. This is a way for so many of you with a heart for missions to partner and participate with us. We know that some are called to go, and many are called to send and support. We'd love to do this journey with you! Just follow the link below:
On December 24th, Melissa and I took Stephen to the Shriner's Hospital in Greenville, SC, for a second opinion regarding his foot and ankle problem. It was a great visit! The Surgeon and staff were extremely supportive, encouraging, knowledgeable, and friendly! This Shriner's Hospital is apparently the Southeastern regional referral center for this type of Orthopedic problem. The Surgeon already knew what the best procedure would be and the best timetable for scheduling the surgery. We were also able to meet with a Prosthetist who has had over 30+ years experience with this sort of problem. Stephen was also accepted into the Shriner's program and will be cared for until he is 18 years old - with or without medical insurance - including any and all custom-made prosthetics he will need! What a huge answer to prayer! We have tentatively scheduled surgery for October 16th in Greenville, so please be in prayer for that as well. It would be a 12-week process from surgery to walking. Melissa would have to remain in the US for the duration, but I would likely have to return to Africa after a month. There are still a lot of details to work out before then.
Our new address while in Texas:
Dr. Kevin and Melissa Trapnell
c/o Mercy Ships - Gateway
PO Box 2020
Lindale, Texas 75771
c/o Mercy Ships - Gateway
PO Box 2020
Lindale, Texas 75771
Monday, December 5, 2011
Thank you Mountain Lake!!
Check out this video our home Church has done for us. So thankful, humbled, and blessed by their support and encouragement!
http://vimeo.com/33112274
http://vimeo.com/33112274
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Prayers for Stephen
I think one of the most devastating things a parent can hear is that their child is either severely injured or will be chronically ill. Thankfully, Will and Emily have both been very healthy. Aside from the occasional cold or stomach bug, neither of them has ever been in the hospital, had surgery, or even been to the emergency room. We've never had to deal with any significant medical problems in our family, until now.
While the nurses were cleaning up Stephen right after his birth, I noticed something was not right. As I was counting fingers and toes, I realized there was a problem with Stephen's right leg and foot. His shin bone seemed a little bent, his ankle was twisted, and he was missing a toe. Something was definitely wrong.
Our Pediatrician ordered an XRAY the next day, and it showed that the fibula (the smaller long bone in the lower leg) and heel bones appeared to be missing. He tried to encourage us that the bones may actually be present, but are just too immature to be visible on XRAY. This can be true even in normal newborn XRAYs he said. However, Stephen’s leg and ankle were obviously malformed, whether the bones were present or not.
About three weeks ago, we met with a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon at Scottish Rite Hospital here in Atlanta. He gave us a name for Stephen’s condition – Fibular Deficiency Syndrome. It is apparently extremely rare with no known cause. His group sees only a few cases each year. He did say, however, that he thought he could actually feel the heel bones, although they were still not visible on another XRAY done in his office that morning. He also said that while Stephen's right tibia (shin bone) is shorter than the left due to being slightly bent, it might just be delayed in its growth due to the missing fibula. Apparently, when one bone is absent during development, other bones nearby can also be affected in their development, or they may not develop at all. The Surgeon made it clear that unless the ankle, leg, and heel bones develop properly, the foot and ankle would not be stable enough to walk on. In that case, Stephen may require an amputation of the foot at the ankle, and then he would need a prosthetic foot in order to walk independently. However, it may take 6 months or more for the developed bones to even be seen on XRAY. Now, we just have to wait and see.
Needless to say, we have been doing a lot of praying the last few weeks. Our belief is that God can heal Stephen any time He wants! His Word says it! We believe it! But we also know that God doesn’t always choose to heal when and in the way we want, especially if He has a different plan that would bring Himself even greater glory, or that would draw us closer to Him. And sometimes it takes a while for Him to reveal that plan to us. Whether God chooses to heal Stephen miraculously or through surgical means, we know that Stephen will be OK.
Although this condition is apparently extremely rare, we actually met a boy that same day after our Orthopedic appointment who has the exact same problem as Stephen - what a "coincidence"! He had the surgery when he was 2 years old. He is now 6 years old and has been completely independent ever since – walking, playing, running, climbing, and even swimming - with a prosthetic foot! What an encouragement he and his Mom were to us! We needed to see that Stephen can and would be just fine. Funny thing is, we wouldn't have even met him if our scheduled appointment had not been "lost" that morning, which made us hang around an additional 2 hours. Another "coincidence"? No, divine appointments!
In just 3 months, we will be moving to an area of the world where this abnormality would be considered a curse, a witch's spell, or even demonic possession. It is not uncommon in the African culture for parents to abandon their children – or worse – to prevent being outcast by their village because of a physical deformity and its presumed spiritual implications. Mercy Ships deals with this situation on a regular basis. Maybe, if these parents see how we have responded to Stephen’s condition, they will choose to keep and raise their children, too. Maybe, because of Stephen’s life, other African children will come to know the unconditional love and acceptance of their families, and maybe even their villages will welcome them as well.
We can't help to believe that God has something special planned for us - and Stephen - as we immerse ourselves in this superstitious culture. Maybe our "situation" will be a catalyst to show how the love of God is unconditional, unfailing, and free to anyone who asks. We all have a congenital condition - it's called sin. Yet God unwaveringly loves us, accepts us, and chooses us, despite our obvious spiritual deformities. There are numerous stories in the New Testament where people came to Jesus looking for physical healing, and left with their spiritual conditions healed as well.
Please pray for us. Pray for continued peace, wisdom, faith, and grace for us as we walk through the next few months together as a family. Pray for God’s love and presence to be very real and near to us when we have doubts and questions along the way. We will continue to pray for Stephen's miraculous healing, until God reveals another plan. Pray for our extended families as well as they go through this with us, too. Pray that in whatever we say and do that our Heavenly Father is glorified. Even when we are weak - and we will be - He is strong for us!
Thank you all for your prayers! We feel them!
Kevin, Melissa, Will, Emily, and Stephen
Isaiah 65:23 - "They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the LORD, and their children, too, will be blessed."
Psalm 139:13 - "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb."
While the nurses were cleaning up Stephen right after his birth, I noticed something was not right. As I was counting fingers and toes, I realized there was a problem with Stephen's right leg and foot. His shin bone seemed a little bent, his ankle was twisted, and he was missing a toe. Something was definitely wrong.
Our Pediatrician ordered an XRAY the next day, and it showed that the fibula (the smaller long bone in the lower leg) and heel bones appeared to be missing. He tried to encourage us that the bones may actually be present, but are just too immature to be visible on XRAY. This can be true even in normal newborn XRAYs he said. However, Stephen’s leg and ankle were obviously malformed, whether the bones were present or not.
About three weeks ago, we met with a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon at Scottish Rite Hospital here in Atlanta. He gave us a name for Stephen’s condition – Fibular Deficiency Syndrome. It is apparently extremely rare with no known cause. His group sees only a few cases each year. He did say, however, that he thought he could actually feel the heel bones, although they were still not visible on another XRAY done in his office that morning. He also said that while Stephen's right tibia (shin bone) is shorter than the left due to being slightly bent, it might just be delayed in its growth due to the missing fibula. Apparently, when one bone is absent during development, other bones nearby can also be affected in their development, or they may not develop at all. The Surgeon made it clear that unless the ankle, leg, and heel bones develop properly, the foot and ankle would not be stable enough to walk on. In that case, Stephen may require an amputation of the foot at the ankle, and then he would need a prosthetic foot in order to walk independently. However, it may take 6 months or more for the developed bones to even be seen on XRAY. Now, we just have to wait and see.
Needless to say, we have been doing a lot of praying the last few weeks. Our belief is that God can heal Stephen any time He wants! His Word says it! We believe it! But we also know that God doesn’t always choose to heal when and in the way we want, especially if He has a different plan that would bring Himself even greater glory, or that would draw us closer to Him. And sometimes it takes a while for Him to reveal that plan to us. Whether God chooses to heal Stephen miraculously or through surgical means, we know that Stephen will be OK.
Although this condition is apparently extremely rare, we actually met a boy that same day after our Orthopedic appointment who has the exact same problem as Stephen - what a "coincidence"! He had the surgery when he was 2 years old. He is now 6 years old and has been completely independent ever since – walking, playing, running, climbing, and even swimming - with a prosthetic foot! What an encouragement he and his Mom were to us! We needed to see that Stephen can and would be just fine. Funny thing is, we wouldn't have even met him if our scheduled appointment had not been "lost" that morning, which made us hang around an additional 2 hours. Another "coincidence"? No, divine appointments!
In just 3 months, we will be moving to an area of the world where this abnormality would be considered a curse, a witch's spell, or even demonic possession. It is not uncommon in the African culture for parents to abandon their children – or worse – to prevent being outcast by their village because of a physical deformity and its presumed spiritual implications. Mercy Ships deals with this situation on a regular basis. Maybe, if these parents see how we have responded to Stephen’s condition, they will choose to keep and raise their children, too. Maybe, because of Stephen’s life, other African children will come to know the unconditional love and acceptance of their families, and maybe even their villages will welcome them as well.
We can't help to believe that God has something special planned for us - and Stephen - as we immerse ourselves in this superstitious culture. Maybe our "situation" will be a catalyst to show how the love of God is unconditional, unfailing, and free to anyone who asks. We all have a congenital condition - it's called sin. Yet God unwaveringly loves us, accepts us, and chooses us, despite our obvious spiritual deformities. There are numerous stories in the New Testament where people came to Jesus looking for physical healing, and left with their spiritual conditions healed as well.
Please pray for us. Pray for continued peace, wisdom, faith, and grace for us as we walk through the next few months together as a family. Pray for God’s love and presence to be very real and near to us when we have doubts and questions along the way. We will continue to pray for Stephen's miraculous healing, until God reveals another plan. Pray for our extended families as well as they go through this with us, too. Pray that in whatever we say and do that our Heavenly Father is glorified. Even when we are weak - and we will be - He is strong for us!
Thank you all for your prayers! We feel them!
Kevin, Melissa, Will, Emily, and Stephen
Isaiah 65:23 - "They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the LORD, and their children, too, will be blessed."
Psalm 139:13 - "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb."
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Welcome Stephen Andrew Trapnell!!
Stephen Andrew Trapnell
Born 10/11/11 at 3:30am
Weight 7 lbs. 10 oz.
Length 21.5 inches
Beautiful!!
Monday, July 18, 2011
"Have you lost your mind?!?"
This is a question Melissa and I have heard a few times over the last six months. "You're moving where?!?" "You're taking your children and a new baby where?!?" "You're living in a 500-square-foot cabin with 3 children?!?" "You're not even getting paid to do this?!?" Believe me, we've asked ourselves the same questions numerous times.
Last October Melissa and I listened to Frances Chan speak about leaving the church he founded (Cornerstone Church, Simi Valley, CA), sell his home, and move overseas for a season of ministry. He took his young family and moved to Asia. He said he was asked numerous times, "Are you crazy?" And that was just from his church members.
When I look at scripture I see a lot of "craziness":
Noah built an ark in the middle of a desert years before it even rained.
Abraham left his home for a land that God would reveal later, promising he would be a father in his 90s.
Samson killed a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.
Moses went before the Pharaoh of Egypt to demand God's people be released from slavery, and then led possibly over 1 million in the desert for 40 years.
Joshua and the Israelites marched around Jericho playing trumpets and yelling and the walls fell without firing a shot.
David challenged the giant Goliath with a rock and a sling and killed him.
John the Baptist lived in the desert eating locusts and wild honey while preaching that the Messiah was near.
Peter walked on water.
Paul gave up his life of religious prominence for a life of full-time missions, and was later beheaded for his work
The early church in Acts was known for selling all they had to care for the poor so that noone had need.
Anything Jesus did...
Frances asked this question - what if you were to take your life's story and place it in the context of the New Testament Church and the early Christians, would your life sound a little "crazy"? I think many times what I would consider to be "crazy" God considers simple obedience. Imagine what our influence and message could be as Christians if we all did a little "crazy" now and then. I can't think of anything Jesus ever did that was "normal" by anyone's standards. Most of what He did went against the cultural norms.
The question becomes this: do I believe Jesus is who He said He is, and do I trust Him when He tells me to do something even before I know what the outcome might be? Jesus, because He loves me, gave up His position in Heaven to take the form of a man for 33 years, just so that He could sacrifice Himself on a cross for my sins, so that my penalty could be paid in full without any work on my part. And He did it knowing I would still mess things up on a daily basis and embarrass His name over and over. Who does that? Now that's crazy.
Last October Melissa and I listened to Frances Chan speak about leaving the church he founded (Cornerstone Church, Simi Valley, CA), sell his home, and move overseas for a season of ministry. He took his young family and moved to Asia. He said he was asked numerous times, "Are you crazy?" And that was just from his church members.
When I look at scripture I see a lot of "craziness":
Noah built an ark in the middle of a desert years before it even rained.
Abraham left his home for a land that God would reveal later, promising he would be a father in his 90s.
Samson killed a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.
Moses went before the Pharaoh of Egypt to demand God's people be released from slavery, and then led possibly over 1 million in the desert for 40 years.
Joshua and the Israelites marched around Jericho playing trumpets and yelling and the walls fell without firing a shot.
David challenged the giant Goliath with a rock and a sling and killed him.
John the Baptist lived in the desert eating locusts and wild honey while preaching that the Messiah was near.
Peter walked on water.
Paul gave up his life of religious prominence for a life of full-time missions, and was later beheaded for his work
The early church in Acts was known for selling all they had to care for the poor so that noone had need.
Anything Jesus did...
Frances asked this question - what if you were to take your life's story and place it in the context of the New Testament Church and the early Christians, would your life sound a little "crazy"? I think many times what I would consider to be "crazy" God considers simple obedience. Imagine what our influence and message could be as Christians if we all did a little "crazy" now and then. I can't think of anything Jesus ever did that was "normal" by anyone's standards. Most of what He did went against the cultural norms.
The question becomes this: do I believe Jesus is who He said He is, and do I trust Him when He tells me to do something even before I know what the outcome might be? Jesus, because He loves me, gave up His position in Heaven to take the form of a man for 33 years, just so that He could sacrifice Himself on a cross for my sins, so that my penalty could be paid in full without any work on my part. And He did it knowing I would still mess things up on a daily basis and embarrass His name over and over. Who does that? Now that's crazy.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
We're Moving!!
Once again, God has amazed us and moved us one step closer to Africa. For the past several months we have been praying about what to do with our house in Gainesville - list with a Realtor or sell/rent it ourselves. Well, just this past week we have signed a 2-year lease with a wonderful family! It was a huge answer to prayer for both of our families. We are so excited!
Next week we will be moving into an apartment in Dawsonville, Ga. We just had a very successful garage sale and were able to sell a lot of our "stuff". This move is forcing us to "downsize" and simplify our lives. It is amazing how much stuff we have accumulated over the years! It's even more amazing to see how much we own that we do not even really need. It will be a good transition as we prepare to move to the ship where space is limited to the necessities.
Again and again we are amazed at God's continued faithfulness to us these past few months. He continues to provide encouragement through His word, our family and friends, and even strangers who have heard our story. We can't wait to see what He does next!
Next week we will be moving into an apartment in Dawsonville, Ga. We just had a very successful garage sale and were able to sell a lot of our "stuff". This move is forcing us to "downsize" and simplify our lives. It is amazing how much stuff we have accumulated over the years! It's even more amazing to see how much we own that we do not even really need. It will be a good transition as we prepare to move to the ship where space is limited to the necessities.
Again and again we are amazed at God's continued faithfulness to us these past few months. He continues to provide encouragement through His word, our family and friends, and even strangers who have heard our story. We can't wait to see what He does next!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
It's a Boy!!
Well, it's official now - at least from last week's ultrasound. We're having another boy - Stephen Andrew Trapnell! Will is ecstatic about having a baby brother. Emily still wants a sister, but now that she realizes she can probably boss this one around she's beginning to warm up to the idea. We think she is going to be a great big sister - she definitely has a mothering and nurturing heart.
Melissa is definitely feeling better since getting through the first trimester. My gall bladder surgery went well also. Emily and Will are definitely ready for summer vacation. They're both ready for the pool and quite ready to be done with school. We visited Emily's new school this past week where she will start Kindergarten in the Fall. She's excited about "big kid" school and is looking forward to trying out the cafeteria, especially after she saw the ice cream cooler! Will just earned his blue belt in Karate this past week and did an awesome demonstration at school. I'm sort of scared to get onto him now out of fear of getting a round-house kick to the head.
God has been so good to us these past few months in just confirming our decision to move to Africa in January. Over and over He is showing us how this move is a "process" and not just a change in address and job title. Refining and pruning is not always an enjoyable experience, but we know God is preparing us for something great, and we can't wait to participate in what He is doing in the African people.
Thank you all so much for your words and emails and calls of encouragement! We feel your prayers! Below are just a few things we would covet your prayers over.
Melissa is definitely feeling better since getting through the first trimester. My gall bladder surgery went well also. Emily and Will are definitely ready for summer vacation. They're both ready for the pool and quite ready to be done with school. We visited Emily's new school this past week where she will start Kindergarten in the Fall. She's excited about "big kid" school and is looking forward to trying out the cafeteria, especially after she saw the ice cream cooler! Will just earned his blue belt in Karate this past week and did an awesome demonstration at school. I'm sort of scared to get onto him now out of fear of getting a round-house kick to the head.
God has been so good to us these past few months in just confirming our decision to move to Africa in January. Over and over He is showing us how this move is a "process" and not just a change in address and job title. Refining and pruning is not always an enjoyable experience, but we know God is preparing us for something great, and we can't wait to participate in what He is doing in the African people.
Thank you all so much for your words and emails and calls of encouragement! We feel your prayers! Below are just a few things we would covet your prayers over.
- Will and Emily - for their smooth transition to ship life and life in Africa; new friends; new school and teachers; contentment with less "entertainment" and "stuff"; that they would see God move in ways not seen before; that they would find a place and opportunity to minister to the African children who are patients
- "Baby Stephen" - safety and health upon arrival in Africa; that he would be an easy-going, take-anywhere baby, and a great sleeper!
- Melissa - for a continued safe and healthy pregnancy; expected due date October 19th; new friendships and relationships on board; opportunities to serve and minister on the ship, or off the ship; peace through the packing and moving stages
- Kevin - confidence practicing Medicine in a new environment - cultural/language barriers, new illnesses not normally seen in the U.S.; guidance with support-raising; that God would continue to reveal areas that need "pruning" and "refining"
- sale or rental of our house in Gainesville - God is already at work in this one!
- sale of our cars; also that our 10-year old van will last until January without needing any more major repairs
- raising financial support; goal $100,000 ($75,000 by December); pray that God would begin to move on people's hearts to financially support us and to pray for us
In Christ,
The Trapnells - Kevin, Melissa, Will, Emily, and "Baby Stephen"
The Trapnells - Kevin, Melissa, Will, Emily, and "Baby Stephen"
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A letter for my Patients:
This September will mark 3 years that I have been practicing with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group in Cumming. It has been an amazing time caring for you, your families, and countless others. It has been my privilege to be your Family Physician. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and care for all of you! Hopefully, I have made you all a little healthier during my time here. However, over the last year or so, my wife and I have been feeling a call to take a step in a new direction. We have been feeling a call to go into full-time overseas medical missions.
Just recently, after a lot of prayer, Melissa and I have accepted a position with Mercy Ships. Mercy Ships is an international organization that operates the largest, non-governmental hospital ship in the world – the Africa Mercy. Mercy Ships provides medical, dental, and life-saving surgical care to the poorest of the poor in western Africa – all free of charge! I will be the Crew Physician. I will be caring for the medical needs of all the volunteer staff and crew, as well as assisting with post-operative care for the African patients. It’s an amazing opportunity for us and we are very excited about this!
We will be leaving in January for Texas Africa , our children, Will (8 1/2yo) and Emily (5 1/2yo) will attend school on the ship with about 60 other kids from around the world. They are very excited, too! But I think they are more excited that they will also have a new brother or sister. We are expecting our third child in October!
Northeast Georgia Physicians Group has already located my replacement – Dr. Katie Dudas. She is an Athens Mercer Medical School
I will continue to see patients here – old and new – until mid-October. We have committed to at least 2 years on the mission field in Africa. If you are interested in following along with us on our new adventure, please email me at drkktrap@yahoo.com, or visit our family website at http://TrapnellMD.blogspot.com. I’d love to hear from you! You can also check out the website for Mercy Ships at www.MercyShips.org to get more details on what we will be doing in Africa .
Again, thank you all for everything! You have been an amazing blessing to me and my family. Please be sure and come by and see me before October, email me, or check out our family website. And keep your appointments! We’d love to keep in touch with you while we are in Africa !
Sincerely,
Kevin K. Trapnell MD
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
"Well done" or "Do more"
For the past 2 months I have been trying to read Radical by David Platt. Many of you have probably heard of the book or even read it by now. There has been quite a bit of dialogue about the book this year. Platt is sometimes accused of being somewhat "over the top" about some of his views on American Christianity. The theme of the book seems to center around if we as American Christians are doing enough to share the Gospel and help the poor, and if not, what can we do differently. I will have to admit I can't read more than 3 or 4 pages at a time without having to stop and reassess my own beliefs about whether my version of Christianity is Biblical or just cultural. It's been a very convicting and uncomfortable read more times than not. Rick Warren says in The Purpose Driven Life on page 1: "It's not about you." Platt seems to take this statement to a whole new level.
The book expounds upon Platt's question (paraphrased): Do we as American Christians claim and enjoy the privileges of being Christians while at the same time delegate many of the obligations of being a Christian to someone else (like a Pastor or Missionary). I know I really enjoy the privileges (benefits) - grace, salvation, forgiveness, unconditional love, peace, hope, joy, and so much more. But the obligations (commands) have been a lot more challenging for me to accomplish - loving God first and others as much as I love myself, giving, sacrificing, evangelizing, discipling, or just "going", but especially the sacrificing part. Something always seems to get in the way of that one. So, why is that?
According to his book, 3 billion people around the world - about one-half of the world's population - live on less than $2 per day. That means I spend more on my cable TV bill than 3 billion people actually earn in a month. Even more startling is that 26,000 children die every day from starvation and preventable diseases. That's a very uncomfortable statistic. If I have clean running water, food to eat every day, clothes to wear, a house to sleep in, and transportation to and from work, I am in the wealthiest 15% of the entire world's population. So, at what point do my needs and wants cross over from necessities to excesses? How do I reconcile my American Dream with my obligations as a Christian?
According to Platt, what could God accomplish through me if I stuck to the basic necessities and gave away everything else, or at least gave more than I am now? Just $35 can feed a child for a month in a third world country. What if I gave up my high-def cable TV, my gym membership, my internet, my expensive cell phone plan, or my monthly trip to the movie theater? How much time and money could I free up to be used for God's Kingdom instead of just maintaining, enjoying, or enlarging my own kingdom? I don't think there is anything inherently wrong or sinful with any of these things. But what if it prevents me from giving, going, or participating in His work around the world - or even in my local church? God doesn't necessarily always want my money. What He does want is my heart, my participation in His work, and my obedience. My time and money do tend to follow where my priorities are.
Maybe Platt is a little "over the top". I know I definitely don't do enough to spread the Gospel or help the poor. Maybe I didn't need my new Blackberry when my 2-year-old phone worked just as well. Maybe I shouldn't spend $9 to see the newest movie when it will be $1 at Red Box in 2 or 3 months. Maybe my 2004 Jeep will get me from point A to B just as well as a 2011 model. Maybe a 3-D TV isn't what I really need right now - but it sure is cool. Is David Platt "radical"? Maybe. When I read the New Testament, though, everything Jesus said and did was a little "over the top", too. Shouldn't He be the example anyway?
Matthew 6
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
...
24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
1 Timothy 6
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
The book expounds upon Platt's question (paraphrased): Do we as American Christians claim and enjoy the privileges of being Christians while at the same time delegate many of the obligations of being a Christian to someone else (like a Pastor or Missionary). I know I really enjoy the privileges (benefits) - grace, salvation, forgiveness, unconditional love, peace, hope, joy, and so much more. But the obligations (commands) have been a lot more challenging for me to accomplish - loving God first and others as much as I love myself, giving, sacrificing, evangelizing, discipling, or just "going", but especially the sacrificing part. Something always seems to get in the way of that one. So, why is that?
According to his book, 3 billion people around the world - about one-half of the world's population - live on less than $2 per day. That means I spend more on my cable TV bill than 3 billion people actually earn in a month. Even more startling is that 26,000 children die every day from starvation and preventable diseases. That's a very uncomfortable statistic. If I have clean running water, food to eat every day, clothes to wear, a house to sleep in, and transportation to and from work, I am in the wealthiest 15% of the entire world's population. So, at what point do my needs and wants cross over from necessities to excesses? How do I reconcile my American Dream with my obligations as a Christian?
According to Platt, what could God accomplish through me if I stuck to the basic necessities and gave away everything else, or at least gave more than I am now? Just $35 can feed a child for a month in a third world country. What if I gave up my high-def cable TV, my gym membership, my internet, my expensive cell phone plan, or my monthly trip to the movie theater? How much time and money could I free up to be used for God's Kingdom instead of just maintaining, enjoying, or enlarging my own kingdom? I don't think there is anything inherently wrong or sinful with any of these things. But what if it prevents me from giving, going, or participating in His work around the world - or even in my local church? God doesn't necessarily always want my money. What He does want is my heart, my participation in His work, and my obedience. My time and money do tend to follow where my priorities are.
Maybe Platt is a little "over the top". I know I definitely don't do enough to spread the Gospel or help the poor. Maybe I didn't need my new Blackberry when my 2-year-old phone worked just as well. Maybe I shouldn't spend $9 to see the newest movie when it will be $1 at Red Box in 2 or 3 months. Maybe my 2004 Jeep will get me from point A to B just as well as a 2011 model. Maybe a 3-D TV isn't what I really need right now - but it sure is cool. Is David Platt "radical"? Maybe. When I read the New Testament, though, everything Jesus said and did was a little "over the top", too. Shouldn't He be the example anyway?
Matthew 6
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
...
24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
1 Timothy 6
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
....
....
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Why is Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone?
Check out this short video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf17tN9LD0g&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf17tN9LD0g&feature=relmfu
Monday, April 4, 2011
How the dream of Mercy Ships became a reality.
Check out this short video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZk7pABJd94
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZk7pABJd94
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Our first newsletter.
We can't believe it has already been two months since we were accepted to join Mercy Ships. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of emails and words of encouragement from all of you. We are truly blessed to have such great friends and family! It has been amazing seeing God confirm this decision over and over through books we have read, sermons we have listened to, people we tell our story to, and scripture we have read during our times alone with God. There is an amazing peace knowing you are exactly where God wants you to be at a particular time. Contentment does come through obedience.
For the past few weeks our Pastor (Shawn Lovejoy, Mountain Lake Church, Cumming) has been preaching through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7. This scripture truly describes how a follower of Christ is supposed to look, think, live, and treat those around him. Am I "salt" in a world in desperate need of preservation? Am I "light" to a world living in darkness? Am I following the "law" instead of Jesus? Do I "hate" my neighbor? Do I keep my word? Do I give to the poor? Do I do good deeds just to impress my fellow Christians? Do I pray for God's will to be done or mine? Am I accumulating treasures and possessions here on earth, or am I willing to give it all up to dedicate time, efforts, and resources to eternal treasures? Am I so anxious about tomorrow I can't function today? Am I judgmental? Is the "fruit" in my life glorifying to God or embarrassing?
In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, there is a verse that God is unpacking before our very eyes! Matthew 6:33 (NLT) says, "Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Because of our delay in leaving for Africa, we were faced with four months of unemployment and the prospect of having a baby with no health insurance. The hospital (Northeast Georgia Medical Center) has been outstanding in supporting us in this endeavor, and they have assured us of continued employment and health insurance during our extra four months here. And then, the very next week, we lost our renters in Augusta mid-way through a 2-year lease. Within 3 days we had new renters AND $200 more a month in rent! Why are we so amazed when God is willing and faithful to keep His word?
It really boils down to this - do we believe Jesus is who He says He is, do we believe He can do what He says He can do, and do we believe His scripture when He tells us not to worry about tomorrow? Do we believe it all - really?!? As we get ready to leave for Africa in January it will be so easy to be anxious about taking a new baby to a third world country, or having to raise $100,000, or having to sell or rent our house here in Gainesville. But as Matthew 6:33 promises, if we seek Him FIRST, HE will give us EVERYTHING else we need! Philippians 4:6-7 says this: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." So, why should we worry when we are striving to serve God and follow His plans for our life?
Prayer Requests:
Kevin, Melissa, Will, Emily, and "Baby"
For the past few weeks our Pastor (Shawn Lovejoy, Mountain Lake Church, Cumming) has been preaching through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7. This scripture truly describes how a follower of Christ is supposed to look, think, live, and treat those around him. Am I "salt" in a world in desperate need of preservation? Am I "light" to a world living in darkness? Am I following the "law" instead of Jesus? Do I "hate" my neighbor? Do I keep my word? Do I give to the poor? Do I do good deeds just to impress my fellow Christians? Do I pray for God's will to be done or mine? Am I accumulating treasures and possessions here on earth, or am I willing to give it all up to dedicate time, efforts, and resources to eternal treasures? Am I so anxious about tomorrow I can't function today? Am I judgmental? Is the "fruit" in my life glorifying to God or embarrassing?
In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, there is a verse that God is unpacking before our very eyes! Matthew 6:33 (NLT) says, "Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Because of our delay in leaving for Africa, we were faced with four months of unemployment and the prospect of having a baby with no health insurance. The hospital (Northeast Georgia Medical Center) has been outstanding in supporting us in this endeavor, and they have assured us of continued employment and health insurance during our extra four months here. And then, the very next week, we lost our renters in Augusta mid-way through a 2-year lease. Within 3 days we had new renters AND $200 more a month in rent! Why are we so amazed when God is willing and faithful to keep His word?
It really boils down to this - do we believe Jesus is who He says He is, do we believe He can do what He says He can do, and do we believe His scripture when He tells us not to worry about tomorrow? Do we believe it all - really?!? As we get ready to leave for Africa in January it will be so easy to be anxious about taking a new baby to a third world country, or having to raise $100,000, or having to sell or rent our house here in Gainesville. But as Matthew 6:33 promises, if we seek Him FIRST, HE will give us EVERYTHING else we need! Philippians 4:6-7 says this: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." So, why should we worry when we are striving to serve God and follow His plans for our life?
Prayer Requests:
- Melissa is in her first trimester and is having the typical morning sickness with a lot of fatigue, and she continues to home school Will. Pray for strength and energy for her and for me to be more supportive.
- I (Kevin) will be having my gall bladder out on March 24th. Pray for a quick recovery. I'm a big baby when I get sick.
- Wisdom in selling or renting our house here in Gainesville.
- Wisdom in dealing with all our "stuff" - selling, donating, or storing.
- Raising our financial support. We will be sending out a financial support request letter in the next couple of weeks with more details. We are required to have raised or have pledged 75% of our budget goals. With the help of the Mercy Ships financial department, we have calculated a monthly budget of ~$4500. More on this in the next newsletter.
Kevin, Melissa, Will, Emily, and "Baby"
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