Spending 10 weeks, over the summer of 2010, in Mukinge Hospital in Zambia, Michelle Pieké was inspired to do a similar mission. Pieké is a physiotherapist at the Drumheller Health Centre.
“It is so true that we don’t appreciate what we have here in Canada. Some of the people I worked with could not even buy food,” said Michelle Pieké.
Pieké spent her time in Zambia volunteering her professional skills as a physiotherapist.
Pieké said she saw conditions from simple sports injuries, back and neck pain, fractures, cerebral palsy, strokes, HIV/AIDS, and even sickle cell anemia.
She said she also joined the missionary doctor and locally trained physio assistant on several visits to a nearby leprosy village.
“I was so inspired by their faith and was touched by their deep appreciation even when, in my eyes, we did so little,” said Pieké.
Leprosy is a bacterial infection which affects nerves, resulting in loss of sensation. Without proper care, patients may become disfigured and unable to provide care for themselves.
After her experience in Zambia, Pieké decided to apply in early 2011 to volunteer in Niger, West Africa this summer.
“I most look forward to sharing love and showing these people who are down and out that they are indeed valuable,” said Pieké.
Hopefully leaving in July of 2012, Pieké will be working at the Centre de Sante et Leprologie Danja for 2 1/2 years with Serving in Mission (SIM). SIM is a Christian organization working in more than 50 countries across South America, Africa, and Asia.
Pieké said she chose this organization because it focuses on professionals using their skills to reach others and share God’s love.
SIM missionaries are 100 per cent donor supported.
Pieké is at 65 per cent right now, and is hoping to leave in July.
To learn how to help or make a donation visit www.sim.ca.
