Straight from the hearts

I am so thankful to the mission for helping me. Here is P50.00, sorry it is a little amount, but I would like to be of help to others too. (This surprise donation will be used to buy 3 tablets of Thorazine for wait-listed patient). May I have your number, Mam?
- Josephine, May 11, 2009 (2007 mission patient)

I just drop by to say hello and thank you for your kindness to us. I am on the way to a picnic. I and my son are all right... I offer 1 Rosary for the benefactors of the mission.
- Jerome, 23 yrs old, May 10, 2009
husband of mission patient (died November 2008 after
Extreme Unction administered by Rev. Fr. Dolotina)
/ learned basic prayers at the mission

Good morning mam, I'm here again to thank you and to ask if you can help us again? My daughter already improved since my last visit here (a year ago) and I asked my friend to visit you here to relay my sincere thanks. Unfortunately, my daughter has been acting up again and I don't know where else to turn for help...... it is okay if you cannot help us now, may we just wait for the time when help is available? Meantime, I will pray hard for all the donors and benefactors, and will bear all that God sends us. My husband died already last December, Mam, but he died in peace, thanking God for letting him suffer lung cancer.... Mam, thank you so much for this pineapple (picked from the office garden).
- Fanny, mother of schizophrenic patient
May 9, 2009

Good day! I am heartily thankful to all the sponsors and benefactors, especially ACIM-ASIA, who helped my son (boy with imperforate anus and Hirchsprung's disease). I hope you would not change especially in your concern towards the sick people who can't afford their medication. I pray that ACIM-Asia will be able to help more sick and needy people. I thank God for touching your hearts and I pray that God will supply all your needs. I pray that God will bless all the benefactors spiritually, physically and financially.
- Ginalyn, April 29, 2009.
Spiritual bouquet offered for mission benefactors
after the funeral of her husband, praying that the mission will
not forget her son who still needs two more surgeries (at death of husband, sent a message saying, "Mam, my husband died yesterday, I am in my mother's house if you can visit us. He is dead before Ian can complete his surgeries. I hope you will not forget us Mam." She and her husband spent about P70,000.00 for the 2nd surgery of Ian, the mission augmented only P7,000.00. Ian still needs 2 surgeries to resect the bowels and, when successful, to close the colostomy.)

Mam, I'm here again to beg for help. My husband already died last Friday, I called for a priest as you instructed me, but there was no priest available, mam. My son prayed the rosary at my husband's deathbed. He was sorry for his sins. He will be buried tomorrow, because we cannot afford to have a long wake. Mam, can you help me buy a marker for his grave? If there is no marker, others will steal the grave to bury their own dead there.... And Mam, if you can also please help me buy this medicine for my other son? Maybe he is affected by his father's death, he is violent again, and we are finding it hard to control him (case: schizophrenia).... I understand that you cannot help us mam, thank you for being kind, I will just keep praying. Please visit us when you can.
- Flora, mission patient (wife and mother of mission patients)
May 5, 2009

Hello, thank you for your help! My father is now out of the hospital, and is recuperating at home. I am here to return the 2 excess injectable medicines you gave for his illness so that other patients can use them. May the donors be blessed. I pray 1 Hail Mary for them.
- Jorrelyn, daughter of mission patient , May 6, 2009
(still learning the basic prayers)

G'pm... a patient is in the hospital and needs help to pay the bills so that they can go home soon and avoid piling up more bills everyday that they are in the hospital. Do you know someone who is willing to buy Augmentin 1.2 gm vial and Rocephin 1 g vial? I have some stocks here that I can sell so that the patient can pay the bill... Thank you and God bless the mission.
- Dr. RC, mission partner, May 7, 2009

May the kind benefactors never tire of giving help to the poor and sick like me and others who are in worse conditions than mine. And may they be given strength, good health, and graces because without them, who would help us who are suffering in illness? May they never stop caring. I offer 3 Rosaries for them.
- Aldy, 19 yrs old, osteomyelitis patient
(learned to pray the Rosary at the mission,
now teaches his younger brothers and their little friends the
Ten Commandments and the 7 Sacraments)

I am thankful to the ones who are giving these medicines for my father. I pray 3 Hail Mary's for them. - Florita, daughter of patient with heart and kidney ailments
(learned the basic prayers at the mission).

Our family wishes to thank the good sponsors whose generous support has helped us in our needs. We offer the following spiritual bouquet: Daily morning and evening prayers of the whole family, plus:
50 Rosaries, 30 ejaculatory prayers, 2 Confessions, 5 Holy Masses
- Fe (mother)
70 Our Father's, 70 Hail Mary's, 70 Glory Be's, 80 ejaculatory prayers,
8 Holy Masses - Gabriel (father)
50 Rosaries, 5 Confessions, Daily study of catechism, 5 Holy Masses
- Liziel, 14 yrs old, surgical patient
(family learned the basic prayers at the mission, now they are the organizers of catechism classes in their neighborhood, handled by mission volunteers - Apostles of Mary)

I offer 50 Rosaries, daily morning and evening prayers for the benefactors of the mission. Thank you very much for your support to the mission. May God always protect you.
- Alex, 19 yrs old, son and grandson of mission patients
(learned basic prayers at the Apostles of Mary trainings)

I offer 10 Rosaries, 10 Holy Hour vigils before the Blessed Sacrament, 50 Hail Mary's and 50 Our Fathers for the benefactors of the mission.
- Gabriel, 10 yrs old, grand nephew of mission patient
(learned basic prayers at the Apostles of Mary trainings)

I pray for the intentions of the benefactors of the mission: 10 Holy Hour vigils before the Blessed Sacrament, 10 Stations of the Cross, 50 Holy Rosaries... Bonjour dear benefactors! Thank you for supporting the mission. I hope you will have more blessings to come. God bless you!
- Patrick, 20 yrs old, mission volunteer (driver)
(learned basic catechism / prayers at Apostles of Mary trainings,
baptized Easter Eve 2007 at SSPX Mission chapel)

I thank the benefactors for the mission. I will pray daily for them for 1 month: 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Mary's and 1 Glory Be.
- Wilmar, 26 yrs old, mission volunteer (night guard)
(learned basic catechism/ prayers at Apostles of Mary trainings)

For the generous people who give rosaries and medicines for the mission, I offer 10 spiritual communions , 5 sacramental communions, 10 Holy Rosaries, 5 Stations of the Cross, 10 visits to the Blessed Sacrament, 5 Holy Hour vigils. May God bless them. - Ma. Caridad, 24 yrs old, mission volunteer (driver - messenger)

We thank God for people who care. I offer 50 Holy Rosaries, 5 Holy hour vigils, 20 visits to the Blessed Sacrament, 20 ejaculatory prayers, 5 Holy Communions for them.
- Judith, 25 years old, mission volunteer (assistant secretary)

Letters for Lenten Reflections

FROM A HOPEFUL BENEFICIARY

"Thank you for giving us hope [and] I'm praying that when there's a good samaritan knock[ing] at your door, [may you] please remember my husband. Thank you so much. Good night...
(from the wife of a patient with renal failure, March 24, 2009, General Santos City).

_______________________________________________________

PLEA from an anxious grandmother:

.... I am a grandmother of these following children: JGS, 9 y.o. [... with] acute glomerulo nephritis. I am worried because the parents and we, grandparents, do not have enough income [for] her many medicines. I hope you can help her in one way or another. She is in [Benguet]. My other grandchild is JMG, 4 y.o. She has weak lungs [read as: pulmonary tuberculosis]. This child is in [...] La Union. I hope and pray that you can help these children. I am very much in anxieties. Thank you for your concern. Pray much for us. [...] I am 63 y.o. and I have [difficulties with my bowel movement]... Could you help me too? Thank you.

(Letter from Luzon, received March 2009)

May our Lenten fasts bring joy to the sick poor.

MEDICAL MISSIONS SCHEDULE 2009

SCHEDULE

MEDICAL MISSIONS 2009

April 29 - May 1: Sogod, Leyte

July 26 - 31: Alabel, Sarangani Province

_________________________________________________________

APPEAL FOR DONATIONS


Dear Friends and Benefactors,

Happy Feast of the Annunciation!

As news of our existence as a mission group spread, pleas come in from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, from people begging for assistance for various illnesses ranging from pulmonary tuberculosis, tumor, cancer, renal failure, pneumonia, and so many others. We also receive requests for medical missions. In the name of mercy, we try to serve as best as we can.

This year we are granting the medical-dental mission request from Sogod - a fourth class municipality in Leyte, where 37.7% live below the poverty line - and; for the second time, from Alabel - the capital town of Sarangani, which has no hospital and has only one public health physician to care for its 76,000 residents, where poverty cannot sustain a private clinic. The medical-dental missions will be on April 29-May 1 in Sogod, Leyte (2,000 patients) and on July 26-31 in Alabel, Sarangani Province (2,000 patients).

Our Association is legally under the Society of Saint Pius X, a religious, non-profit organization. We conduct medical missions in cooperation with the provincial and municipal governments: they provide the venue and transport needy patients from the most inaccessible barangays, while we provide the medical-dental-nursing manpower and find resources for mediciens, diagnostic work-ups and hospitalization of patients, as needed.

Some patients are expected to come to the mission with prescriptions from medical specialists but having used up all their funds in the diagnostics, cannot buy medicines. In such cases, we will fill out the prescriptions for free and refer back the patient to the prescribing physician for follow up. We are committed to provide complete dose of antibiotics to ensure the safety of the patients and to make full use of the referral system so that the patients will have proper care. We collaborate with existing agencies for patients needing surgery.

Based on the needs of the patients, we are looking for supplies of antibiotics, antituberculosis, anti-asthma, antihistamines, mucolytics, decongestants, antidiabetics, anti-gout, antihypertensives, analgesics, antipyretics, anti-inflammatories, anti-ulcer, antifibrinolytics, anti-convulsants, anti-psychotics, and mineral and vitamin supplements. Oral, 0pthalmic, otic, and topical preparations are needed for infants, children and adults. Parenteral preparations will be needed for mission patients who will be confined in the hospitals, or for indigent patients in the hospitals referred to us by social health workers. Wound dressing and dental supplies are also needed: syringes, dental needles, masks, cotton, and anesthesia.

Goodness begets goodness. We believe that when we touch the lives of those suffering, we raise up their spirits to higher aspirations. Whatever support you can give can bring hope and vigor to the underprivileged as they struggle to reach for more meaningful and more productive lives.

Thank you so much for visiting our blog. Hoping fervently for continued support.

Yours truly in Mary Immaculate,

Rosa Mystica Health Mission Facilitators

MISSION OF HOPE AND CHARITY

I was sick and you visited me...

Rico, 5 years old, from Alabel, Sarangani Province, waiting for his surgery. First seen on August 15, 2008 by Dr. Elzbieta Kowalska. Diagnosis: Bronchitis, bilateral otitis media, cleft lip and palate, hernia scrotalis bilateral, malnutrition. The surgeon is simply waiting for Rico to be clear of any upper respiratory tract infection for a whole month and to gain more weight so that his surgery can be scheduled.

Jane, 7 months old, from Alabel, Sarangani Province, doing well after VP Shunting, waiting for her next corrective surgery.

She was born with bulging mass at upper bridge of nose, bulging periorbital area at the left temporal area. Her parents were told that if she would not be operated, at 4 months old her brain would already be so compressed that she would die.

First seen by the mission on August 14, 2008 by Dr. Ma. June Viray, referred to Dr. Narciso Mirabueno, referred to Davao, seen by Dr. Alfredo Abundo. Diagnosis: Hydrocephalus ex vacuo, porencephalic cyst left tempo-parietal. Surgery done: Tempo-parietal craniectomy, marsupialization of cyst, placement of ventricular peritoneal shunt, peritoneal opening and repair. Thanks be to God and to the concerted effort of concerned doctors and generous individuals from South Korea and France, she was assisted in time before neurological deficits could occur.

A happy smile from Jane. Thanks to her sponsors. Looking up with hope. Thanks to generous people, she can now lift her head and crawl about. The cysts will be removed when the bones in her head close (at age 2) and the maxillo-facial defects will be repaired at age 12.

Ian, from General Santos City, with imperforate anus / Hirchsprung's Disease. Waiting for his 3rd surgery (resection of bowels).

Romulo, 47 years old, from Palembang, Sultan Kudarat. When referred to the mission, he was bleeding internally and his hemoglobin count was only 3 g/dl (normal count: 14-17 for males).

Severo, 73 yrs old, from Zamboanga.

He came knocking at the office gates begging for food, saying he was just waiting for his death to come, that he just forced himself to get up and beg for food while he was still breathing, that he was living alone after his wife died while they were visiting Gensan. He was breathing with difficulty, was pale, weak, coughing out bloody sputum.

We brought him to the doctor who examined him, had his xrays and sputum tests taken and gave him prescriptions.

Volunteer nursing students took turns assisting his home care, ensuring that he could take his medicines regularly, bringing him food to help him recover, cleaning up his home and helping him with his hygiene.

Volunteer catechists assisted him in his catechism, encouraged him to make his First Communion, taught him the basic prayers and the Ten Commandments. When he got well, he would regularly visit the office to just say "Thank You" to the people who cared for him. He is now back in Zamboanga with his relatives.

J.R. was weak and pale when he was brought by his mother to the office. He was coughing out blood. He was brought to the doctor who took his xrays and sputum, and referred him to another doctor who had him undergo skin tests... He was given medicines and given adequate nutrition (food supply and vitamin-mineral supplements). This photo was taken when he returned to the office to say thank you. It was good to see him smiling, strong, and no longer coughing... and thanks be to God, was having a healthier color (no more bleeding).

I was hungry and you gave me to eat...

Thankful for the little bag of food, she promised to pray for the generous people who make the mission possible.

Enthusiastically, this barefoot boy hitched on a jeepney from Malapatan to Gensan where he decided to earn money as a car-wash boy to buy food. He was thankful for the food that were shared with him by people he met. He was happy to hear of the Heavenly Father to Whom he could pray for daily bread.

CHARITY NEVER FAILS.

WE SEE, WE FEEL, WE CARE, WE REACH OUT.

May our Lenten fasts and abstinence enable us to give joy to those in need.

__________________________


ROSA MYSTICA HEALTH MISSION 2008

Venue: Capitol Gym, Alabel, Sarangani Province

No. of days of service: 6 days including 1 day extension clinic

Dates of mission: August 11-15, 2008 and August 15, 2008

No. of patients served: 3,000

No. of patients taken to the hospitals / clinics for diagnostic work-ups: 182

No. of patients confined to hospitals for treatment: 6

No. of physicians who volunteered: 13

No. of physicians who received referrals for free in their clinics: 8

No. of dentists who served: 16

No. of nurse volunteers: 60 (+)

No. of dental aides / medics: 4

Total cost (payments made): P1,068,143.80

SPONSORS:

Society of Saint Pius X, ACIMPS-France, Lamoiyan Corporation (Hapee Toothpaste), General Tuna Corporation, Philippine Spring Water Resources Inc., Chill 'n Cool, Fresco Water Station, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Junior Chamber International (Davao and GSC Chapters), Philippine Dental Association, Philippine Nursing Students Association, Beta Nu Delta Nursing Society, Penamante Clinic, Socsargen County Hospital, 3M Rodge Pharmamed Sales, D'Farm Venue Rentals, Imi Rachel Martin, Legion of Mary, Apostles of Mary Catholic Youth League of the Philippines, and many more, whose names are boldly written in God's heart.

______________________________________

OTHER MEDICAL-DENTAL MISSIONS SUPPORTED

DATE NO. PATIENTS/ VENUE PARTNER

Dec. 2, 2007 200 Upper Labay, GSC Notre Dame of Dad. University Nursing Students

Dec. 9, 2007 200 Upper Labay, GSC Notre Dame of Dad. University Nursing Students

Dec. 2007 200 Libi, Molo, Malapatan, Sarangani Notre Dame of Dad. University Nursing Students

Feb. 23, 2008 196 Baluan, GSC Mindanao Polytechnic College HRM Students

Feb. 26, 2008 150 Glamang, GSC Phil. Institute of Technology, Nurse-Aide Students

March 23, 2008 495 San Jose, GSC Holy Cross Parish / Hearts and Brains, Inc.

April 1, 2008 321 Alegria, Alabel, Sarangani Prov. Vice Gov. Office / Jun. Chamber Int'l GSC

Aug 30, 2008 150 Bula, GSC Sta. Maria College, Nurse-Aide Students

Oct. 18, 2008 110 RD Plaza, GSC Dr. Bernardita Hofer

Oct. 28, 2008 80 Nomo, Maasim, Sarangani Divine Mercy Foundation / DXCP

Nov. 11, 2008 416 Datu Dani, Kiamba, Sarangani Provincial Vice Governor's Office

Dec. 1, 2008 40 Olimpog, GSC Notre Dame of Dad. University Nursing Students

Dec. 9, 2008 47 Banahaw, Malungon, Sarangani Notre Dame of Dad. University Nursing Students

Dec. 10, 2008 350 Upper Labay, GSC Notre Dame of Dad. University Nursing Students

Rosa Mystica Health Mission 2008

WHERE WILL THIS YEAR'S MISSION BE?
This year the medical-dental mission will be in the capital town of Sarangani Province, Alabel, where there is no hospital, where poor residents do not have access to proper medical care.

WHEN WILL THE MISSION BE?
The mission will be on August 11-15, 2008. The orientation for volunteers will be on August 10, and the conference will be on August 16.

HOW MANY PATIENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE SERVED THIS YEAR?
The plan is to serve a minimum of 2,000 indigent patients from all ages in Alabel, Sarangani Province.

HOW CAN I HELP THE MISSION?
One can help the mission by volunteering to render free services as a doctor, a dentist, or whatever relevant health service. One can also help by donating medicines, clothes, food for the hungry poor or for the support of the volunteers. Donations can be in cash or in kind.

WHAT DO I GET BY HELPING?
By serving the poor, one can grow in the love of God and can hope for God's mercy and blessings. By serving in the mission, one can get acquainted with fellow Christian doctors, nurses and health professionals, and develop a spiritual friendship that can encourage one in spiritual growth. The conference on moral concerns can strengthen one in the midst of dilemmas in the practiceof the health profession.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE MISSION?
One can join or support the mission by communicating with the Secretariat at ACIM-Asia Office, 2400 De Dios Street, 9500 General Santos City, Philippines. Or one may call [63] (083) 301 8824. or through mobile phone: +639212990327, or send email to: rosamysticamission@ymail.com.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTSTO VOLUNTEER FOR THE MISSION?
The Rosa Mystica Health Mission requires that each volunteer shall be:
1. God-fearing - to observe the Christian principles of healthcare practice.
2. Mature - to expect to serve the poor without any return.
3. Emotionally stable - to endure the inconveniences of the mission without tantrums.
4. Healthy - to withstand the environmental challenges
4. Generous - to give without regretting the loss.
5. Pschologically fit - to serve the suffering without giving way to depression.
6. Spiritually strong - to trust in God's Wisdom and Providence in the face of all suffering witnessed.
7. Charitable - to preach God's love by kind words and actions.
8. Professional - to provide safe, efficient care to the sick. Health professionals must present their credentials (diploma, resume/curriculum vitae, and professional license) for proper evaluation.

WHY SHOULD I HELP THE MISSION?
Charity is a divine friendship between man and God. Like every true and perfect friendship, it extends beyond the person of the friend to all who are his, to all who are related to him. "And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also" (1 John 4:21). We are commanded to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. (cf.: Matt. 19:19).

COME, LET US BE GOOD SAMARITANS.

Rosa Mystica Health Mission 2007

August 12-17 / General Santos City. Medical, Dental, and Nursing Mission in Dadiangas South Elementary School, Lagao Central Elementary School, Jose Catolico Central Elementary School, and Andrade Subdivision, serving some 2,000 patients in actual consultations and some 150 patients through referral to local medical specialists, and 3 for surgical management following the mission.
The volunteers who served during the mission were:
From the USA: Dr. Elizabeth Phalen, Bridget McGinley RN, Susana Andrada RN, Anastasia Alexander, Mckenzie Lee Armstrong, and Mary McGinley
From France: Dr. Jean-Pierre Dickes, Claudie Debavelaere-pharmacist, Xavier Losco-medical student
From South Korea: Dr. Eun-Mi Kim and Bridget Choi
From the Manila, Philippines: Dr. Elaine Baens Araneta, Dr. Dexter Anthony Grino, Dr. Leonila Songco, Dr. Angeles Francisco, Babes Simon, Flormay Simon RN, Remy Quijano, Sally Sandiko, Andrew Principe, Alexis Sanchez and Jerwin Aguinaldo
From Iloilo, Philippines: Dr. Ma. June Viray, Thalia Viray
From Cebu: Ryan Rodriguez
From Cagayan de Oro, Philippines: Dr. Francisco Woo
From Koronadal City, Philippines: Dr. Ma. Angela Suelo
From General Santos City, Philippines: Dr. Orlando Cerezo, Dr. Durico, Dr. Emely Lagare, Dr. Crisanto Torrijos, Dr. Nisperos, Dr. Asesclo Madrid, Dr. Leonora Madrid
They were assisted by Army medics (2 Filipinos and 2 Americans) led by Dr. Brandon Fraser.
Local private medical specialists who agreed to attend for free the mission patients referred to their clinics were: Dr. Ceasar Anthony Yabut, Dr. Alice Adarna, Dr. David Cosip, Dr. Juanito Solamo, Dr. Fidel Penamante, and Dr. Rowena Coll Penamante.
Local organizations, associations, families and individuals that provided generous assistance were: Philip Teng, Victoria Go, Mt. Matutum Lions Club, Jollibee Foods Corp., Rommel dela Rosa, Armi Nabablit, Solrac Sevilla, Michael Binas, Junior Chamber International (Twinstar, Davao, and Manilena Chapters) , Engr. Manuel Fortunato Du Yaphockun and Family, Yap Mabuhay Enterprises, Dr. Antoniette Alzona, Bal Fauni, Rodrigo Salangsang, Richard Paparon, Abelardo Sosobrado and Family, ABS-CBN, Ini Vina Otani, Imi Rachel Solizar, Alyssa Ang and Family, Michael's Inn, Engr. Benito Raval and Family, Josie Reyes and Family, Brgy Captain Rolito Blando and Family, Brgy Captain Eduardo Yumang and Family, Brgy Captain Jorge Catapang, Twilight Flora Benzonan-Betonio and Family, Esther Rodulfa, Ma. Leah Sajelan-Berango, Philippine Nurses' Association, Helen Sestina and the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University Philippine Nursing Students Association led by Ser Rosenkranz Espartero and Jay Esgana, Katherine Rose Villa, Maela Babate, Shiela Lyn Recidoro, Ma. Lourdes Brotarlo, Nursing student volunteers from GS Doctors School of Nursing, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Office of the City Mayor, Office of the Vice Mayor, Grizelda Veneracion and H2Zero Purified Water System, Mr. Esbern So and KCC Grocery Store, Geraldine Anne Puray, and Family, Ailea Alejado Family, Kristeen Joy Demos and her team of student nurse volunteers, Joseph Hibanada and the Apostles of Mary Catholic Youth League of the Philippines, and Cecilia Jubelag and the Legion of Mary.
Medicines were transported free of charge by Philippine Airlines in generous support to the mission. Donors of the medicines and other supplies were: Lamoiyan Corporation (Hapee Toothpaste), Natrapharm, Glaxo-Smithkline, InteMed Ethicals, Green Cross, Pediatrica Inc.,Pascual Laboratories, GX International, JB Orchid Pharmaceuticals, Hizon Laboratories, Boehringer Ingelheim, Medichem Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lloyd Laboratories, Roche Pharma, Euro Asia, Pharma Dynamics, Inc., JM Tolmann Laboratories, Inc., AD-Drugstel Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Inc.
Two thousand pcs of Rosaries and scapulars were given free by Family Rosary Crusade, and thousand others given by Rosary Makers, and other generous individuals.
The Society of Saint Pius X District of Asia Mission provided the impetus by shouldering the major expenses of the mission, and coordinating the various aspects of the program.

Rosa Mystica Health Mission

Rosa Mystica Health Mission: A mission of Charity and Faith

Rosa Mystica Health Mission is a Catholic mission organized by the Catholic Association of Doctors, Nurses and Health Professionals in Asia. It seeks to provide professional health service among the poor to attend to their physical and spiritual health needs, linking the sick and the health professional in the bond of Christian Charity. It seeks also to unite and to strengthen Christian health professionals in the practice of Catholic moral principles.


And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." (Isaiah 6:8)