Health in the village:  A Simulation.
 
(The purpose of this moment for mission is to illustrate the health problems in a typical developing country.  Ask the congregation to stand.)
 
i'm going to type it in for you below.  thanks.
 
You are now a village in the developing world. That means you live in a country in Africa, Asia or Latin America.  To show you the challenges that many people in the developing world face, I'm going to ask you some questions.
 
Does any here need glasses for reading?  If so, raise your hand.  In this village you would be illiterate, because there are no glasses. Put your right hand over your eye.
 
Hase anyone here ever broken a bone in his\her upper body or arm?  If so, raise your hand.  Nobody knows how to set the splint, and the bone doesn't heal right. Put that arm behind your back. You can't use it well any more.
 
Has anyone here ever broken a bone in their lower body or leg?  If so, raise whatever appendage that still works.  Nobody knows how to set the splint, and the bone doesn't heal right. Stand on one leg.
 
Has anyone here ever had a fever of 104 degrees or higher?  There are no doctors or fever reducing medications like Tylenol to help.  You just died.  You may sit down.
 
Has anyone here ever needed a blood transfusion?  Sorry. That technology has not come to your village.  You,too, just died.  You may sit down.
 
Is anyone here 58 years old or older?  In the developing world the average life expectancy is 57. In some countries lower. You may sit down.
 
Has anyone ever had major surgery, without which you would not have survived? You guessed it.  No doctors, medications, or hospital care for you.  You just died.  You may take a seat.
 
Has anyone here ever had the mumps or measles?  In the developing world you wouldn't have them for long.  Please sit down.
 
(if anyone is still standing at this point, have them sit here.)
 
The health service that we take for granted are not available to everone. Among other things, our gifts to WOC fund village health projects and give people opportunities for healther, happier lives.  "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
 
Give to Week of Compassion like a world village depends upon it - because it does.