"From Behind the Lens to Gloved Up"
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
August Newsletter
Let me tell you what the Lord has done these last 10 weeks.
On the ship, we run in outreach cycles — three 2-week outreaches, each with a reset week in between. Every cycle brings new volunteers, new patients, and more people falling in love with Papua New Guinea and its incredible people.
In our clinic, we offer dental care, eyeglasses, and general health care. But medicine has never been the whole mission — it's the door. Every patient who comes through gets treated, and every patient gets prayed over, because we're not just here for the body. We're here for the whole person: body, mind, and soul.
That trust-building work is tangible. Over the last three outreaches, we loved on over 700 medical patients, around 150 dental patients, and close to 1,000 people through eyeglass distribution. Out of those patients, we saw nearly 20 salvations and handed out hundreds of Bibles. In the States, modern medicine can fix almost anything. Here, we can only do so much — and when we run out of what we can offer, we remember that prayer is the ultimate solution. God is doing big things, and we're believing for increase in the days ahead.
Investing in Eden
One of my favorite parts of this season was getting to mentor Eden, a creative who joined the ship hoping to grow in capturing testimonies and telling stories that matter. I got to bring her alongside me — shooting interviews, capturing candid moments, building a video that caught the real heartbeat of what we're doing here. Watching her run with ideas and grow more confident in her craft, week over week, was one of the most rewarding parts of my outreach. I'm excited to see where she takes it next.
From behind the camera to gloved up
Over these three outreaches, two visiting doctors performed surgeries removing tumors of all shapes and sizes — including breast cancer from one woman. For weeks, my job was to document it: I'd stand at the edge of the makeshift OR with my camera, watching the surgical assistant work alongside the doctor — handing off tools without breaking the sterile field, moving with a rhythm I found myself studying as I was filming. I've always been the kind of person who notices the details in a room — a mentor once called me a "maximizer" — and something in me kept clocking how that assistant role worked, almost without meaning to.
After the third or fourth surgery I'd captured, I had a thought that surprised even me: I could do this. And if I did, it would free up our other doctor to see more of the patients who desperately needed care. In a moment of crazy courage, I asked the surgeon and our head of medical if I could step in. To my shock, they said yes.
The next day I got a text: "Hey Quinn, I have surgery I need your help with." My stomach dropped. I met Adolph, who'd carried a tumor on his back for over ten years. I set the camera down, gloved up, and got to work — handing the surgeon what she needed, assisting the actual procedure, watching years of discomfort lift off a man in real time. I walked out of that room with one of the biggest adrenaline rushes I've had in a long time, and a deep gratefulness for the gifts God has given me to use in this place — even ones I didn't know I had until I was standing in the room.
How you can be praying for me
For grace to host well and say goodbye well — the constant turnover is emotionally heavier than I expected.
For my dependence on God to keep growing, even when that stretching feels like isolation. I prayed for this before I came, and He's answering it.
For spiritual strength and good rhythms when I'm weary — the enemy comes after my sleep and whispers lies of isolation. I need eyes to see the truth clearly.
For protection over my emotional and physical health in this season.
Thank you for standing with me and with Liberty. God is moving here — I get a front-row seat, and I'm so grateful you're part of it too.
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