It’s been less than 10 days since I got back from Remedy West, and really, this is the first chance I’ve had to reflect. Last week was consumed with finishing the (final?) draft of my Thesis and preparing for my coursework Oral Exam. I think I need to break it down into three sections: Before, During, and After.
Before Remedy: Losing Doug
Losing Doug. I met Doug Lindberg just three and a half years ago at Remedy ’22, & it turned out we were loosely related to one another through a few connections (ok, not related at all … his mom’s cousin’s daughter married my wife’s brother). Regardless, we began calling each other “cuz.”
Doug was Someone who joked around and loved Chicago sports, someone who loved his family, someone who loved Jesus and serving him all over the world, someone who could rally people together and get things done. Losing him less than two months before the event was … devastating? Around May or June, I knew he wouldn’t be at the event this year because of his health. But I was hopeful, as many were, that he’d bounce back.
I was grateful we got to enjoy Wrigley (and a Phils’ win) together with our dads and Doug’s son, James, just six months ago.
Little did any of us know that he would pass only four months after this picture was taken.
When I think of Doug, I think of someone who I thought I was really close to, someone whom I could share what I didn’t think I could share with others, someone who did things so excellently that I wanted to equal his talent (but knew I never could). I think he made everyone feel that way.
A beautiful moment happened the morning I heard of Doug’s passing. I got an email while I was on the road (Vegas, I think), and a donor had just given to fund the entire Remedy West event. They did not know Doug was nearing his time with Jesus, but they did know of his impact & continued the legacy. Tears and a gaping mouth were on my face for quite a bit of time that morning.
At Remedy
Two years should be enough time to prepare for an event. And yet, it’s like a paper you know you have to write, or an exam waiting for you to take. It’s a journey. Whether it was because it was a group project, a burden I couldn’t shake, or my own procrastination, I don’t know if I ever would have been ready for it.
While stressed, once the event began, all I cared about was the outcomes and whether people were impacted by God to think and live differently than they had before they arrived. The process is often greater and more important than the outcome (hence why ROI in ministry is so hard), but that’s why I love events: the immediate shot in the arm it gives.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit disappointed at the turnout. We had almost 130 sign up and 110 check in, which would have been good, but I don’t think we had all 110 there at any one time. Students came and went, some came just Friday night, and some came just for their workshop or the poster session. I don’t hold that against anyone; it was just hard seeing so many empty seats.
When all was said and done, I couldn’t help but be grateful for the amazing quality of presenters, speakers, exhibitors and people who were in attendance. Those there have changed the world and will only continue to. A church with that group would not remain the size it was for long. Unbelievable people. I’m still shocked to know many of them, let alone for them to come and have the impact they did at Remedy. I could only pause in awe and thanksgiving when I sat at my table and watched students tear down the facilities.
After Remedy
When Dr. Donlon gave the opportunity for people to respond on paper to what God had done in them during Remedy West (after the last plenary), I was hopeful those words would make it “all worth it.” Certainly, they could have been, but it was after the survey when I was absolutely blessed by the words people shared. There’s no question is was not only worth the effort, but was effective to achieve the goals we wanted to achieve! I’ll let those comments tell the story.
I was greatly encouraged to meet so many other Christians in the medical field! I had no idea! I feel very certain now about my calling into missions. Now it’s just a matter of waiting for the Lord to reveal His plan in this way! Thank you for organizing this event. It was confirmation for me and my husband in making some really big life changes.
It was so inspiring to see how God is truly everywhere — in everything we do, everywhere we go, and in everyone we help. Before changing my major, I prayed for His guidance, asking Him to lead me toward the path that would allow me to live out my purpose. Because of our Lord, I’ve been given these opportunities and guided to change my major, leading me onto the pre-med track.
It’s good to hear fellow Christians reason through ethical challenges, and see how they integrate Christ in healthcare. As someone just starting in healthcare, I find that the learning aspect is so important, since I want to be an effective Christian called to healthcare, but I often don’t know where to start or how to get there. I feel this conference helped equip me.
It was a blessing to meet brothers and sisters in Christ who are co-laboring with me. I found it very encouraging to meet people who strive to be a light and integrate their faith into their work. The many different examples set before me helped me to see the countless ways I can use my career to spread the Gospel.
The character and motivation of people who attended Remedy West was amazing!
I was encouraged by being reminded of God’s power in some of the supernatural stories that were shared during the plenary talks. I am encouraged to pray more boldly and expectantly.
It was so deeply impactful and faith-growing to hear the plenary speakers’ testimonies of how God is actively moving in their medical ministries, especially Dr Mary and Dr Kang. It encouraged me to stop limiting God or pressuring myself to pray/do the best thing and to instead trust God to move in whatever way He knows people need to encounter Him.
While it was small, it was deeply impactful. I went to GMHC last year, and it was a huge operation but didn’t leave me in awe like this small conference. Dr. Kang, and Dr. Mary- as well as Rick’s talks all left me in amazement. Sometimes the Spirit is really moving and speaking and I feel like He was at this conference! I feel more convicted to share with patients, more expectant to see miracles, and was reminded of the privilege to serve the marginalized. Thank you!