Monsieur Theophile in the Pharmacy
As I enter the pharmacy, Monsieur Theophile is collecting packets and strips of tablets from the boxes that line the shelves, and counting them out on the desk. After I’ve said why I’ve visited him, an elderly lady enters and Theophile gives her the medicines, explaining how each should be taken and checking she understands.
“It’s really nice caring for people,” said Theophile, once she’s gone. He’s not only in charge of the pharmacy but the x-ray department as well – so when a patient needs an x-ray he makes sure there’s a good picture so that the doctors can interpret it.
“Getting an x-ray can really help someone,” he continues, “and helping people is one of the encouraging things about my job.”
At the Good News Hospital, it’s not just helping people physically that is important. There are meetings each morning with a bible story or an explanation of the gospel, but staff are also free to talk to patients about God.
“Sometimes we see people come to faith in Jesus,” Theophile says. “When I x-ray a child with a broken bone, I might talk to them about the events for children at church.”
When I ask Theophile how people can pray for him at work, his answer is immediate.
“Pray for strength and health,” he says. Although he is not too far from retirement age, his voice is strong and he smiles broadly. “Sometimes I’m not as -” we are suddenly both aware that there are a queue of people lining up to collect their medicines just outside the open door. He drops his voice.
“Sometimes I’m not that enthusiastic!” he laughs. I thank him for his time, and as I leave, the patients enter the pharmacy, ready to collect their medication.
Do pray for workers at the project like Monsieur Theophile, that they will have strength and good health to serve the patients at the hospital well.