Young Klaus-Dieter John read the last page of another “jungle doctor” book by Dr. Paul White—his favorite series. The adventures, based on the missionary doctor’s experiences in Africa, never failed to capture Klaus’s imagination and heart.
The boy sighed. How great would it be to live in the jungle and help people as a medical missionary.
That dream stayed with Klaus through high school in his hometown of Weisbaden, Germany. As graduation neared in the late 1970s, he felt certain God wanted him to become a doctor and serve in a third world country.
Another person in his school carried the same dream, a pretty girl named Martina. Soon Klaus and Tina were a couple.
The next decade included university, medical school, and marriage. Further training took the Johns to England, Johannesburg, and finally America. Klaus studied at Harvard, and then completed his surgical residency at Yale.
Meanwhile, Tina earned board certification in pediatrics, in Germany and America.
God used a backpacking trip through Peru in 1991 to draw their hearts toward the Quechua people, descendants of the Incas. These Indians live on high plateaus and in deep valleys of the Andes Mountains, impoverished and illiterate.
At that time, just four doctors served 40,000 people. The Johns knew immediately: this was where God wanted them to serve.
First they volunteered for five years at a well-established mission hospital in Ecuador. During that time Klaus and Tina founded the Diospi Suyana organization to alleviate the suffering of Peruvian Indians.
In Quechua, the words mean, “We trust in God.”
But they desired to do much more. “What if,” the couple dreamed, “we could establish a hospital for the Quechua people near Machu Picchu—not just a bare-bones clinic but a true hospital with everything necessary to provide excellent care?”
Just saying the words out loud highlighted the implausibility of their desire. How could they raise the millions of dollars necessary? And even if they could build such a facility, how would they keep it staffed and equipped?
But God propelled them forward.
In 2004 the Johns began seeking financial support for their vision, first in Germany and then in other countries. A trickle of donations at first grew to a steady flow. Several companies even committed to provide equipment and materials.
Also during this time, Klaus and Tina moved their family of five into a mud home in the village of Curahuasi, a village strategically located between three Peruvian cities.
By May 2005, the Johns were participating in a miracle: the ground-breaking for Diospi Suyana Hospital—a project that would cover eight-plus acres of land, and cost $100,000 each month to construct [1].
The couple was determined not to incur debt. God would either supply the needed funds or construction would be discontinued.
Supply he did—through more than 50,000 individual donors who’ve contributed to the hospital’s ministry [2].
As the complex took shape, fifteen miles of computer cable were set in the walls, as well as “countless miles of pipes for suction, compressed air, and oxygen” [3].
The dedication of the facilities took place in August, 2007. By 2017, 300,000 Peruvian patients had received care at Diospi Suyana—patients who only pay 20% of the cost of their care—at most; the other 80% is paid by generous donors.
Each day begins with a worship service. Thousands of Peruvians have heard about Jesus and been told of his gift of eternal life. For those who accept that gift, one of the hospital pastors visits their home and connects them to a local church [4].
The ministry has expanded over the years to include dental and eye clinics, Kids’ Clubs, a school for six hundred children, and a radio station [5].
Many miraculous provisions have contributed to the flourishing of Diospi Suyana.
For example, in January 2006, while Klaus was in Germany on a speaking tour, he met with a good friend. Klaus mentioned they needed a civil engineer to oversee the hospital construction, but the person had to be willing to serve without pay.
“I know someone who might be interested,” declared the friend and he made a phone call, setting an appointment for later that day with the engineer Udo Klemenz.
Meanwhile, when the phone rang at the Klemenz’ home, Udo and his wife were in the midst of praying about their plans for the future.
At the meeting that afternoon, Klaus made his proposal. The couple gasped in surprise for this near-instantaneous answer to their prayer.
“Come to Peru for as long as you can stay,” Klaus invited.
Udo and his wife soon traveled to Curahausi—and stayed for eight years [6].
Klaus affirms often, “God has become visible in my life” [7]. (Emphasis added.)
Indeed, he has.
[1] https://cvm.swisshealthweb.ch/fileadmin/assets/CVM/2018/cvm.2018.00564/cvm-2018-00564.pdf
[2] https://cbn.com/news/news/hospital-built-faith-proof-me-god-real
[3] https://cvm.swisshealthweb.ch/fileadmin/assets/CVM/2018/cvm.2018.00564/cvm-2018-00564.pdf
[4] https://cbn.com/news/news/hospital-built-faith-proof-me-god-real
[5] https://www.diospi-suyana.de/diospi-suyana-2-2/?lang=en#
[6] https://cvm.swisshealthweb.ch/fileadmin/assets/CVM/2018/cvm.2018.00564/cvm-2018-00564.pdf
[7] https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2014/3-october/features/interviews/interview-klaus-dieter-john-founding-director-diospi-suyana-hospital
Photo credits: http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.canva.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.travelingteacheronline.com, H. McElwee; http://www.pxhere.com.
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This story is beyond inspirational, Nancy! Oh, what wonders God can accomplish when there are those willing to spread His kingdom here on earth. Thanks for introducing us to Klaus and Tina, and their amazing journey to help the native people of Peru.
Blessings!
I’m so glad you found the Johns’ story inspiring, Martha. I certainly did! Imagine the ripple effect from the thousands who have accepted Jesus as Savior through their ministry. Praise God for the wonders he has done (Psalm 78:4b) through this passionate, determined couple!
Love this account of God leading and providing. God’s will=God’s bill
So glad this story blessed you, Matt. I’d never heard that declaration, God’s will=God’s bill. AMEN to that! We’ve experienced it; I’m sure you and your family have too!
What a story of God’s omnipotence, omniscience, and faithfulness. Thank you for sharing it!
You’re welcome, Linda. So glad you found the Johns’ story inspiring! I was certainly blessed as I completed the research.
Great things happen when you open up your heart to God! Thanks for sharing this compelling story, Nancy. 🙂
You’re welcome, Nancy. May we all follow the Johns’ example and keep our hearts open to God!
A beautiful and heartwarming real life story of God’s divine providence. Thank you for sharing, Nancy!
You’re welcome, Pam! It IS a beautiful and heartwarming story as we see evidence of God working in the lives of the Johns, even from their youth!
I love this story especially because it is so contemporary too. so inspirational too. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Jean. So glad you enjoyed the Johns’ story, which is inspirational for sure!
Incredible story, Nancy! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Wynne. I’m delighted you found inspiration in the Johns’ story.
Wow! What an inspirational story of trust and surrender to doing what God laid on their heart that would serve so many people.
I was wowed too as I researched the Johns’ story. To those who trust and surrender, God supplies in amazing ways! The Christian life is a wonderful adventure of trust on our part and faithfulness on his part. I know you’ve experienced the same!
Truly ‘ where He guides, He provides’. Lovely story of faith and trust…
AMEN, R. H.! I’m so glad you found loveliness in the John’s story.
Such an amazing true story of God’s will being declared in all their lives and His provision making the work possible. What a mighty God we serve!!
AMEN, Patty! God’s mighty power certainly is on display in the work the Johns have accomplished.
Hi Nancy,
When the Lord has a plan it comes together like that. That’s all I would want is to walk in His plan. As earth as it is on Heaven is how all things should work. Have a great week. Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Amen, Gary. You’ve reminded me of the old hymn, “Trust and Obey.” The first verse begins, “When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way!” There IS joy to be gained as we follow God’s plan–a joy we can experience no other way.
Yes.
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Beautiful, Nancy! I’d never heard of the Johns before. It’s amazing how God orchestrates things and provides all that is necessary! Our God is amazing!
Amen, Sheila, our God does indeed orchestrate amazing things. And as he does so, we can see his wisdom, foreknowledge, power, goodness, and more at work. In perfect faithfulness he accomplishes countless, wonderful acts (Isaiah 25:1)!
How do we ever question whether or not God answers prayer? This is spectacular. A man and woman called by God to a remote place and thousands of people donating to create a real hospital. The many who were blessed with being touched by this incredible faith journey are now blessing us who are reading about it. Thanks for this beautifully encouraging story of faith and faithfulness.
I praise God with you, Dayle, that this godly couple have been used so mightily in a remote and forgotten corner of the world. It’s also a miracle that thousands of people participate in this ministry through their giving, as you point out. I agree–it IS a beautiful and encouraging story!
What an amazing story – and yes more evidence of how God moves in our lives – if we are open and listening. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Barb. That’s a good point you make: In order to see God moving in our lives we must be open to his presence, his influence, and listen for his guidance. Thank you for adding that insight!
Inspiring.
I’m so glad you found it so, Anna!
‘four doctors served 40,000 people’
Sometimes we need to hear real life stories of other people’s lives and ministries to help us appreciate what we have access to … and open our eyes, yet again, to the spiritual harvest that God has for us to tend, in the ways He’s prepared us to give.
Thanks, Nancy. This is an inspirational story of God’s great blessings and lovingkindness. I hope the week ahead is a lovely one for you.
We can learn much from the experiences of others, yes? The Johns certainly provide worthy examples. As for your hope of a lovely week ahead for us, we enjoyed a short trip to see old friends (since college-days). Such a delight to reminisce, catch up, and LAUGH together!
As I read this story, I immediately thought of the saying “God moves in mysterious ways”. I did some research and found that this saying is from of the hymn “God Moves in a Mysterious Way”, It was written in 1773 by the 18th-century English poet William Cowper as a poem entitled “Light Shining out of Darkness”. I then read William Cowper’s story. Your post is so interesting and inspiring.
Lyrics of the hymn:
“God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill;
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev’ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.”
This would be a worthy hymn to use as inspiration for journaling about God’s ways and treasures of the past, giving us fresh courage for the future. I’ve written down the title for future reference! (Thank you, Cheri!)
Such an inspiring story Nancy, especially in how much good can be accomplished in a span of a single lifetime. The extent of formal education up front led me to believe the Johns would end up somewhere much more prosperous (and financially rewarding). The fact they stuck with their original calling after all that demonstrates the true power of God.
I’m glad you caught that, Dave! Such accomplished doctors could surely have chosen prestigious positions where the financial gain would have been considerable. But they did not. Their eyes were on the prize of the high calling that Paul talked about (Philippians 3:14). A worthy example for all of us to follow–even if we didn’t graduate from Harvard!!