“But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! … This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other… All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12: 18-19, 25, 27 NLT)
The verses above remind us that each person in the body of Christ has a unique and special role to play in growing the Kingdom of God. Recently, Dr. Alanna Bree visited our campus and showed us all another glimpse of what it looks like to use our unique gifts and talents to bless others.
Dr. Bree is a double Board-Certified Pediatric Dermatologist, as well as the founder and president of the board for Made a Masterpiece, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families with skin conditions. God has given Dr. Bree specific knowledge and skills to serve children with skin conditions, just like the students we have at Shade with albinism!
While Dr. Bree was visiting, she was able to offer specialized care for those at Shade. Dr. Bree educated our children on how to care for their skin, giving special time and attention to those with albinism. She also offered training and equipping for parents and the Shade staff, giving them practical ways to help Shade students with daily skin care. She provided individual skin checkups for our most at risk students. In addition to her medical knowledge and support, Dr. Bree was able to offer prayer and love to those in the Shade community. She visited women who receive Shade small business loans, praying and encouraging each one. She was also able to participate in staff prayer meetings and celebrations.
Reflecting on her time at Shade, Dr. Bree said,
“I see God at work here and it’s amazing, and I am so thankful that God called me back. I’ve been to Tanzania a couple of times in the past. Children with albinism, God has put a special place for them in my heart…. It’s such a gift to be used by God, and to be His vessel, and when He calls to say yes…. I am so glad He allowed me and gave me the opportunity to say yes. So, I am here with open mind, open hands, and open heart to just see what God is calling me to do.”
We’re so thankful for the wonderful ways that God connects us to the body of Christ, near and far. We are excited for a continued partnership with Dr. Bree to grow so that we can better meet the medical needs of our students. When talking about continued work with Shade, Dr. Bree shared this,
“I’m not sure what this is going to look like, we’re going to be obedient, we’re going to trust God and we’re going to see where He leads us, but I think He is doing big things. I see Him at work here and I can’t wait to join Him and see what that looks like. It might look like a clinic, it might look like some virtual clinics, who knows? God does big and wonderful things.”
Thank you for supporting all of the big and wonderful things God is doing at Shade! We’re so glad to be in the body of Christ with you.
