(July 25, 2014 - by Penny Hughes)  In a country of Central Asia, rural residents were left in a lurch recently when the government closed all the medical centers and first-aid stations in small villages. For many of the villagers, this meant the closest access to medical attention could be days away.

In desperation, many of the residents have turned to local “healers” who prescribe remedies such as “bleeding an infant’s arm for colic or placing hot stones on your chest for infections—ancient practices that hurt more than heal,” reported David Uhles, executive director for the Europe/Eurasia Region of Reach Beyond (formerly HCJB Global).

“This is happening right now in one of our priority countries in Central Asia,” he explained. “With Reach Beyond’s assistance, our partners are finding practical ways to help villagers with options for healthcare.”

One of the mission’s local partners (name undisclosed for security reasons) is working to provide village health workers with the ability to make a difference in their communities through modern training and understanding of how to treat various illnesses.

It’s illegal to share one’s faith in the country—punishable by imprisonment—and opportunities to communicate the gospel are difficult and limited. Through the impact of forming relationships by caring for people’s physical needs, the partner will have the opportunity to sow seeds of love, grace and the gospel.

Some practical medical advice is already compiled and published in a book called Where There Is No Doctor, but it’s not yet available in a language the local people understand, and some of the practices are outdated.

“Translation work has begun,” Uhles says. “Our partner excitedly reported, ‘I evaluated the book and saw how important it is … especially in our present circumstances.’”

The partner has obtained the rights to translate, revise and publish the book in local languages and hopes to air excerpts from the book on local radio stations.

One reviewer from The British Medical Journal notes, “The book’s scope extends beyond just dealing with diseases to issues such as home cures, popular beliefs, healing without modern medicines (including the “right and wrong” use of them) and community development such as advice on how to build pit latrines.”

“Whether on the radio or published in a translation spoken by the locals, a potentially life-changing resource is coming,” added Uhles. “We see this as an opportunity not only for care, but to open future avenues of ministry with our partners, bringing hope to remote villages.”

Sources: Reach Beyond, The British Medical Journal