The Price of Compassion

My pastor founded a bible college and seminary in town, Bethany Bible College and Seminary. It's been preparing men and women to serve God for well over thirty years. There are also two extension campuses; one in South Korea, and another in Newfoundland, Canada. Although I'm finding it difficult to imagine Newfoundland with population enough to support such a school, my lack of imagination, nonetheless, is not at issue. What is at issue is that five years ago my pastor’s wife died-- complications of the liver. And because he regularly takes trips to South Korea, he had occasion to meet a Godly woman, whom God in due time graciously gave to him as a wife a year after the death of his first wife.

Now, four years later, his new wife, Mi'e, is sick. Her daughter Hajin has sought to come to this country to be with her mother; this is perfectly understandable. I know my pastor genuinely loves his wife, and cares deeply for her daughter, now his own. He has spent a considerable amount of time, effort, and money for lawyers, immigration fees, and travel expenses so that his wife might have her daughter at her side; again, this is perfectly understandable considering a man's genuine love for his wife.

The Immigration Service has been dragging their feet for months. There continues to be no news about Hajin's status. When her visa expires she will likely have to leave and come back. We want her to stay. The no good honest reason why she shouldn't be allowed to stay.

So. Early last week my pastor took his wife to a doctor in Ozark-- a thirty-minute drive north. Why they went there I don’t know; he didn’t elaborate, but there are two very fine hospitals here in Dothan, and more doctors than you can shake a stick at. I can only assume this doctor is a specialist.

At the conclusion of their visit, my pastor asks the doctor if he wouldn't mind writing a letter on his wife's behalf, explaining her condition, that the immigration service might see fit to grant Hajin a green card so she can be with her mother. The doctor said, "I'll have to think about it."

Late Friday evening the doctor called and said he could write the letter my pastor requested..... for $3,500.

I am personally outraged at this. It's not enough that doctors—especially specialists—make a killing already, but this man, on top of all the other indignities doctors force upon their patients, resorts to extortion. My trust of doctors is already pretty low, but this simply beats all I've ever seen. I know there are good honest doctors out there, but why are they so far and few between?

What worth does this doctor place on compassion? 3,500 bucks.