Both Tim and Laurel Kietzman thought God might eventually send them overseas, but they had no idea how that would happen.  Life as doctors was always so busy and THE CALL just never came! Tim staffed three separate clinics as a comprehensive ophthalmologist, while Laurel not only practiced emergency medicine but homeschooled their four boys. Often their schedules were so different they hardly even said “hi” to each other.

One day, a family friend and one of Tim’s mentors came to visit. Dr. Harold Adolph, a general surgeon who had worked all over the world in understaffed mission hospitals, shared gripping experiences and shocking photos. He explained how certain surgeries, like vesicovaginal fistula repair, and even more so, the gift of sight through cataract surgery could have huge impact on a person and their community. Already, Tim and Laurel were deeply involved in giving to many overseas ministries, but they were shocked when Dr. Adolph declared, "Tim, I think YOU are called to go to Niger."

 Open mouthed, Tim and Laurel glanced at each other and replied, “How on earth do you know that? God has said nothing about it to US!” Dr. Adolph persuasively laid out his reasons why he felt Tim was particularly well equipped. “Tim, you were born in the area; you were a missionary kid there until high school, so you already know the language and culture. Not only are both of you doctors, but Tim, you’re an ophthalmologist and we need an ophthalmologist."  Laurel, however, had been looking at the pictures of Niger and exclaimed, “I don’t feel called here. This looks like pictures of the MOON. It's all dry and dusty. I couldn't stand it. God will have to change my heart before I’ll be willing to go there.”

After Dr. Adolph left, Tim and Laurel began praying and researching. Was God calling them somewhere? Maybe Dr. Adolph was right about the call. They took “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” course and saw the huge need for workers with Muslims. Still, they weren’t drawn to Niger. “Is this unbelief,” they asked themselves, “or is it possible that God would lead us using our own desires?”  One major priority surfaced as they logically pursued the early faith steps of “going”. Not wanting their kids to end up resentful, they found the sending agency, Interserve, which was not only working in the hard-to-reach places, but deeply concerned for their boys’ welfare. Several choices were offered, but in the end they visited Gilgit, Pakistan. Tim and Laurel fell in love with the world class mountains and the “wild wild west” feel of the remote Northern Areas of Pakistan. God confirmed their steps of faith over and over as they resolutely set their face towards Gilgit and went.

Tim served as clinical and surgical instructor at the Gilgit Eye Hospital from 2000 until their family left in 2010. It was challenging, invigorating, fulfilling, and life changing. They lived through terrorist attacks, multiple relocations (including a year in Thailand), separations, floods, earthquakes, Urdu language study and cancer. Through each stressful experience, Tim and Laurel learned more about themselves and their relationship with God.

We often have romantic ideas about changing the world—success is seeing a community transformed by our work.

But God said, “Here’s what I want you to do: be obedient to Me.”  God is more interested in changing us than fulfilling our myopic goals. We may be disappointed when people don’t listen, but God looks at the whole situation in light of eternity. He expects us to obey Him and faithfully work for His Kingdom. He takes care of the long-term details and uses everything for His glory.

How do you know if you are CALLED to the mission field?  We make it harder than it needs to be: If you are willing and able, then God is calling you. It may be difficult–but trying to avoid stress and obstacles in life never works anyway. God will lead, always be with you, and transform you along the way to love Him and others with a heart reflecting His.