On our show today, an inspiring conversation with Dr. Amanda Madrid, who works in the remote and dangerous mountains and jungles of Eastern Honduras as a medical officer, a public health consultant, and the director of an international holistic Christian organization called Predisan, which is a ministry as well as a network of health clinics. Dr. Madrid is also the subject of a new book, "Lay Down Your Guns: One Doctor's Battle for Hope and Healing in Honduras," written by Greg R. Taylor, a local (and quite prolific) author, editor, and minister who currently works with the Garnett Church of Christ in Tulsa. Dr. Madrid's incredible journey --- from diligently working as a doctor for poor, rural farmers to confronting drug-cartel thugs whose deadly crimes were threatening the lives of those same farmers --- is carefully detailed in Taylor's book, and she shares a few tales from this journey on this edition of ST. And Publishers Weekly, by the by, had this to say about Taylor's volume: "Chronicles the life, faith, and adventures of Dr. Amanda Madrid, an indigenous Honduran missionary doctor. Following the fierce female philanthropist as she faces gender inequality, drug-related violence, and questions about her calling, the narrative moves between the past, with scenes from Madrid's childhood, and her recent history. All the while, the account offers insights into her robust faith and divine calling to serve addicts, confront drug cartels, and work with Hondurans in need who live in areas reminiscent of America's Wild West.... Those interested in medical missions, Central American culture, justice issues, or a narrative biography of a courageous Christian woman will find the book worth reading." (Also, you'll learn more about this book here.) And our show concludes today with an excellent appreciation, by our commentator Connie Cronley, of one John Joseph Mathews, who died in 1979 --- and who was among the greatest writers ever to emerge from the Osage Nation.
"One Doctor's Battle for Hope and Healing in Honduras"
