Why Is It So Hard to Do Something Good?

Africa Cries Out Report – April 2026
By Xu Jun – March 21, 2026

Since 2013—except during the pandemic—Africa Cries Out has traveled to Senegal every year to carry out short‑term medical missions. Along the way, we have faced many difficulties, yet each time God helped us overcome them.

But as we entered 2026, the challenges became greater than ever. The pressure was suffocating, and at moments we felt confused and discouraged.

1. Unprecedented Obstacles in Transporting Medicine

For many years, two major U.S. medical charities—Direct Relief and Americares—have generously provided us with essential medicines free of charge. This year, we received medications valued at $1.2–1.4 million.

But during transportation, we encountered resistance like never before.

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:

• Ticket prices increased from $800 → $1,100
• Free checked baggage was canceled
• First checked bag: $75
• Second checked bag: $100

Last year, Delta gave us 33 free checked bags, but this year, despite multiple requests, they refused to provide any free baggage allowance.

(Photo: Medicines waiting at the airport for check‑in)

2. Core Team Members Faced Sudden Crises

Right before the departure of Week 1 (March 19, 2026), several key team members encountered unexpected emergencies.

• Dr. Chris Liu, Week 1 team leader, repeatedly applied for leave from Duke University Hospital but was not approved.
• Brother Joe, our Brazilian logistics worker, suddenly developed a high fever, chest tightness, and coughing on March 17—barely able to move.
• For years, team members handled their own meals, often surviving on sandwiches for 7–8 days straight.
  Three years ago, Brother Wang Xinwen, a chemical engineer skilled in Chinese cooking, joined and greatly improved our meals.
  But on the night of March 18, he suddenly developed severe headaches, insomnia, and fatigue, making him unable to board the flight.
• Dr. Xu Jun, responsible for Week 2, learned that a close family member had been diagnosed with late‑stage pancreatic cancer with metastasis, ascites, and declining consciousness.

Medicines stuck in customs, key workers unable to go—pressure fell on us like a heavy cloud.
We prayed, “Lord, where are You?”

3. In the Midst of Hardship, We Walk Forward by Faith

As 2 Corinthians 12:9 says:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

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

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 in baggage fees to check in the medicines.

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

As for how we will cover these unexpected expenses—we still have no idea. But we trust that the Lord will provide.

(Photo: Dr. Yang and team)

(Photos: Medicines held at Senegal customs; medicines released after payment; Pastor Anna, Pastor Anderson, and Brother Joe giving thanks)

When our cooking team suddenly lacked manpower, Brother Cai and Brother Xue from the local church immediately stepped up.
Brother Cai, who previously ran a restaurant, has rich cooking experience. With Brother Xue’s help, they will take full responsibility for preparing meals for the team.

After treatment and prayer, Brother Wang Xinwen’s condition improved significantly. He is expected to fly to Senegal on March 21 to rejoin the team.

(Photo: Last year’s kitchen team—Brother Wang, Brother Xue, Brother Cai and family)

Dr. Chris Liu eventually received approval for four days of leave after multiple negotiations. Although he could not arrive on the first day, Dr. Yang Qiaoxin has already led the team to prepare for clinics.
Dr. Steven Chao, Dr. Wang Haibin, Dr. Chris Liu, and other team members will arrive one after another to serve in local villages and youth programs.

Dr. Xu Jun continues to monitor his family member’s condition and asks for prayer for his planned March 26 departure. If he cannot go, other doctors will step in to continue serving patients.

(Photo: Dr. Liu teaching youth in 2025)

As 1 Peter 1:6–7 says:
“Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials… your faith—of greater worth than gold—may be proved genuine.”

In trials, we learn trust.
In weakness, we experience grace.
With Him, nothing is too hard.

(Photo: Africa Cries Out Senegal base)