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It was Friday evening and Nicolas* and Sandra* were preparing to go on holiday the next day. The Swiss couple hadnât yet packed, but they had bought enough food for a month so they didnât need to think about this on their return. âWe always keep a monthâs supply of food,â explained Nicolas. âWe are part of OMâs Disaster Response Team, so we practise what we teach.â Their provisions in case of emergency proved to be very timely considering the impending lockdown in Belgium due to the coronavirus.
That same evening, Nicolas and Sandra received a message from the Belgian Red Cross, calling on all volunteers to meet a growing demand for care. The couple have volunteered with the Red Cross as paramedics during the past seven years. On seeing the urgent request, Nicolas and Sandra immediately dropped their holiday plans. They didnât realise it then, but their decision to stay prevented them from going to the area of Belgium most affected by the pandemic.
âWe would have ended up stuck there in quarantine,â Sandra pointed out. âLooking back, everything has fallen into place â itâs not a coincidence that we stayed where we can work as paramedics.â OM in Belgium released the couple from their responsibilities in team administration and maintenance of the now closed guesthouse. Nicolas and Sandra increased their current commitment of one day a week with the Red Cross to five days per week.
âThis crisis is different from others we have helped in,â said Sandra. âIt is on our doorstep and we donât know when it will end.â The couple normally travel to crisis zones in other parts of the world for a predetermined number of weeks, as they did in response to the natural disaster in the Bahamas in 2019. âWe are used to more physical crises,â continued Nicolas. âThis time we canât see it, but when we put on our âmoon suitsâ (protective clothing), we know this is real.â
âWhy are you risking this?â neighbours asked.
âIf we are not doing it, who else will?â Sandra replied with feeling and energy. âWe believe we should do this because God wants us to help people.â Her neighbours were interested that she believes in God and conversations turned to faith a lot faster than before. âAt the moment, people are scared, frustrated and so much more open to speak about faith,â said Sandra. âWe have had very good talks."
âItâs like being a fire fighter standing in a burning building,â described Nicolas. âIt feels right.â Clad in protective clothing, Nicolas and Sandra transported Covid-19 patients to or from hospital in the Red Cross ambulance. âI actually feel safer in our ambulance than going shopping,â remarked Nicolas. âHere I know what has been touched and can clean it.â
As Jesus followers, they should not be irresponsible or take unnecessary risks, Nicolas acknowledged. However, ultimately they are secure because they have the promise of eternity with Jesus. âI do not need to be afraid; I know where I am going and this gives me a peace I can share,â he emphasised. âMy faith is giving me the strength to do this.â
âDoctors and other paramedics tell us: âYou are different!ââ said Nicolas, surprised by the comment from fellow medical workers.
âWe donât know how we are different,â added Sandra. She was convinced little details do have a huge impact in demonstrating the gospel, such as holding a patientâs hand even though it is through a glove, treating people with dignity, or asking a respectful question. And yet these gestures by themselves seemed insufficient as a distinguishing factor. âThe only explanation we can give is that the love of Jesus is somehow showing through us,â she concluded.
Nicolas and Sandraâs Red Cross colleagues found themselves considering the question: âDoes faith help in times like these?â One colleague had a particularly difficult day clearing out rooms at a retirement home and burning the items. This experience hit him hard. The following day, when he could speak privately, he approached Nicolas. âYou are the one with the real answers,â he stated, inviting Nicolas to talk about his faith in Jesus.
âWe are the ones with the answers!â agreed Nicolas, recognising the unique opportunity God has given them to pass on His truth and hope at such a time. In fact, it is why they became paramedics â to be among people and share the gospel.â
âBut in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.â - 1Â Peter 3:15 (NIV)
*name changed