Service allows you to experience the sovereignty of God.  Three weeks ago, Father Paul came to St. Luke’s Hope Clinic in search of a drug called cyclosporine for a child living in Egypt.  The medication is used for a number of diseases, primarily for its immunosuppressive properties in solid organ transplant.  It is quite expensive and requires extensive monitoring.  Father Paul found two pharmacists at the Clinic, Nadia Guirguis and Ehab Tadrous, that would independently conduct a search for the drug to no avail.  He later asked me about access to cyclosporine, and I had little hope to offer him.  Accessing the drug from the U.S. for an Egyptian patient would involve some sort of illegal activity (i.e. finding a physician that would be willing to write a prescription that is not based on a bona fide relationship with a patient).  He said that we should pray about the matter and wait to see God’s response. 

Last week, Nadia called me with some amazing news.  The wife of one of the patients at her pharmacy wanted to donate her husband’s medications, because he had passed away.  The medication was cyclosporine!  The next day, Nadia searched the storage area of her pharmacy for more donated medications, and found additional boxes of cyclosporine.  In total, their value is over $2,000, and they will be transported to a physician in Egypt for the care of this child in September. 

I learned many lessons through this trial.  God is sovereign.  He is above all regulation, laws, and logic.  He loves His children more than we can ever love them and not only desires to provide, but will provide for their needs.  He is our only Hope.  As we meditated on the miracle of the five loaves and two fish last Sunday, Father Paul mentioned that God sometimes creates a problem so that we can learn to rely on Him and seek Him. When He provides, He always provides in abundance. I pray that I never forget this miracle.  I am thankful that I have been called to this ministry in order to witness the sovereignty, almightiness, and love of our Lord.   

Christine Malati, PharmD