{"id":6186,"date":"2026-03-23T21:55:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T01:55:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/africacriesout.net\/?p=6186"},"modified":"2026-03-23T21:55:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T01:55:40","slug":"why-is-it-so-hard-to-do-something-good","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/africacriesout.org\/cn\/why-is-it-so-hard-to-do-something-good\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is It So Hard to Do Something Good?"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why Is It So Hard to Do Something Good?<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Africa Cries Out Report \u2013 April 2026<\/strong>
\nBy Xu Jun \u2013 March 21, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since 2013\u2014except during the pandemic\u2014Africa Cries Out<\/em> has traveled to Senegal every year to carry out short\u2011term medical missions. Along the way, we have faced many difficulties, yet each time God helped us overcome them.<\/p>\n

But as we entered 2026, the challenges became greater than ever. The pressure was suffocating, and at moments we felt confused and discouraged.<\/p>\n

\n

1. Unprecedented Obstacles in Transporting Medicine<\/strong><\/h1>\n

For many years, two major U.S. medical charities\u2014Direct Relief<\/strong> and Americares<\/strong>\u2014have generously provided us with essential medicines free of charge. This year, we received medications valued at $1.2\u20131.4 million<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

But during transportation, we encountered resistance like never before.<\/p>\n

Due to operational problems at Senegal Airlines, most flights from New York to Senegal have been suspended. Only Delta Airlines still flies that route. As a result:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Ticket prices increased from $800 \u2192 $1,100<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Free checked baggage was canceled<\/li>\n
  • First checked bag: $75<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Second checked bag: $100<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Last year, Delta gave us 33 free checked bags<\/strong>, but this year, despite multiple requests, they refused to provide any free baggage allowance.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    (Photo: Medicines waiting at the airport for check\u2011in)<\/em><\/p>\n

    \n

    2. Core Team Members Faced Sudden Crises<\/strong><\/h1>\n

    Right before the departure of Week 1 (March 19, 2026), several key team members encountered unexpected emergencies.<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Dr. Chris Liu<\/strong>, Week 1 team leader, repeatedly applied for leave from Duke University Hospital but was not approved.<\/li>\n
    • Brother Joe<\/strong>, our Brazilian logistics worker, suddenly developed a high fever, chest tightness, and coughing on March 17\u2014barely able to move.<\/li>\n
    • For years, team members handled their own meals, often surviving on sandwiches for 7\u20138 days straight.
      \nThree years ago, Brother Wang Xinwen<\/strong>, a chemical engineer skilled in Chinese cooking, joined and greatly improved our meals.
      \nBut on the night of March 18, he suddenly developed severe headaches, insomnia, and fatigue, making him unable to board the flight.<\/li>\n
    • Dr. Xu Jun<\/strong>, responsible for Week 2, learned that a close family member had been diagnosed with late\u2011stage pancreatic cancer with metastasis, ascites, and declining consciousness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Medicines stuck in customs, key workers unable to go\u2014pressure fell on us like a heavy cloud.
      \nWe prayed, \u201cLord, where are You?\u201d<\/p>\n

      \n

      3. In the Midst of Hardship, We Walk Forward by Faith<\/strong><\/h1>\n

      As 2 Corinthians 12:9 says:
      \n\u201cMy grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Despite his illness, Brother Joe<\/strong> still flew to Dakar on March 19. He played a crucial role in clearing the medicines through customs and continued to handle logistics.<\/p>\n

      At JFK Airport, Joe, Dr. Yang Qiaoxin, and several team members voluntarily gave up their personal luggage allowance. They reduced the paid baggage to just over a dozen pieces and paid about $1,500<\/strong> in baggage fees to check in the medicines.<\/p>\n

      At Dakar Airport, after repeated negotiations by Joe and Pastor Anna, they finally paid $750<\/strong> in customs fees and successfully brought all the medicines out of customs.<\/p>\n

      As for how we will cover these unexpected expenses\u2014we still have no idea. But we trust that the Lord will provide.<\/p>\n

      \"\"<\/p>\n

      (Photo: Dr. Yang and team)<\/p>\n\n\t\t