I enjoyed very much reading about Dr. Conner’s experiences in Ethiopia and his compassionate dedication to serving the people of that nation, at times going above and beyond his training in internal medicine to take care of children in crisis there. Further his dedication to service in his community and medical practice after he returned to the states is truly inspiring. As a physician myself, Dr. Conner inspires me to see my own medical practice as a mission field and maintain dedication to my patients and our community despite the cost and struggle that the busyness of medical practice can impose upon myself and my family. This book provides a refreshing view of why I went in to Medicine in the first place and I think anyone can enjoy the humility and unique perspective that Dr. Conner provides

A gripping and very personal account of what one can face when one answers a sense of a calling. It occurs against the backdrop of one of those international crises, the Ethiopian famine, that is widely publicized and addressed by celebrities, but then is forgotten in 5 years. And it exemplifies how, as usually happens with callings, the reality differs considerably from the original plan. He shares not only the unexpected challenges of bureaucracy, family separation, and life-threatening disease, but his internal conversation in meeting the challenges. And Dr. Conner makes it clear, that when the sense of mission is real, and when the bond with He who calls is strong, it will be accomplished even if not in the way one has originally planned.

This was a fascinating read. The author paints a vivid picture of the heartbreaking famine in Ethiopia. As a doctor; he volunteered for him, his wife, and two children to move to Ethiopia so he could help. He descibes the remote villages he went to, and the situations he was faced with. As a child I remember my parents watching this on the news. Now as an adult it’s great to learn more about it. I admire his and his wife’s dedication to help others.

Dr. Conner does an admirable job reporting his experience during a crisis in Ethiopia 2 decades ago. With the power of media’s portrayals of an unknown country, Dr. Conner and his young family embarked on a mission that they will never forget. He speaks of the sickness he witness as well as his own physical and emotional ills that resulted from his efforts to help others in need. It is great that Dr. Conner was able to share his experience vividly although it occurred many years ago. The book comes full circle as he aborts his Ethiopian mission to return to America on a mission to heal the people in his own community. This lead to life long volunteering to improve the health of the community in Colorado. This book illustrates how a seed that is planted can keep growing in many ways and many directions.

I’ve known Dr. Conner as a colleague in his Denver medical practice and found this book to reflect the humility, dignity, stamina and passion that he ever embodies in his care and concern for his patients as well as his community in general. No doubt those characteristics-deeply rooted in his person, his family, education, and church-were further strengthened by this early professional experience among those with the greatest of needs as deftly described in this outpouring of his service in Ethiopia.