Medical Mission International Newsletter

"THE CONNECTION"

May, 2009 Vol.2, Issue #2

Dear Partners in Ministry, The Shack

Last month we did a mission in Peru. Two teams united together from opposite sides of the continent to form one team. We enjoyed the unity of the team. Jan, one of the participants, is sharing her experience in this issue.

This coming month we have a huge challenge. If you like children and want to participate in a mission project, we have great news for you.

On June 16, we will have a "two continent walk-a-thon" where we walk or run a 10 K distance to release the money that is promised to us if we have 100 people participating, showing partnership in an international project. As many of you know, we are helping the Christian Nationals in Mali build a rescue center for the children needing a safe place to live. There is $5000 that will be given to the construction of the center if we walk or run 10K on June 16, the National Day for children in Mali Africa.

Mali has its 50 participants and we need to show our solidarity with 50 North American participants. All is needed is your good will, your sports shoes, and your water bottle.

Your participation will encourage the Maliens, who are committed to see the realization of this project.

We hope that you will join us on this walk.
Just let us know if you commit to join the North American team.
Thanks for your commitment.
And have fun!

Count me in, I want to do it - Click here to let us know.

Madeleine Allard, Director

Medical Mission International

APRIL REPORT ON THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF
DORCAS EDUCATIONAL CENTER

Pouring the second floor at the Dorcas
Center.
Women and Children at work

Children and women were also at work for this big day, carrying the water needed to mix the cement.
Pouring the contrete

Moving the cement with wheelbarrows.

Why I participated in Medical Missions?
submitted by Jan Giesy Brauer

When I come home from a short term missions trip, people often ask me: "Why did you go?" and "Why did you go with MMI?"

The answer to the first question is easy, really. Jesus told us to "go and make disciples of all nations." (Matt 28:19) The second question is tied in with the first. MMI meets people with the warm, welcoming arms of Jesus. Through health care, partnering with the local church, the people they serve are given an opportunity to meet Jesus and experience His generous compassion.

There is a third reason I go on mission trips that I'd like to tell you about. It is because I'm changed by the people I work with. I'd like to introduce you to my friend Ruth.

Ruth is a woman who lives in the barrio in Lima. She attends the local church that we partnered with on a recent MMI trip. Each day Ruth volunteered as the secretary to sign in the 80 patients we saw each day. We greeted each other each morning and enjoyed warm smiles despite the language barrier. On the last day, as the day drew to a close, I was the RN doing triage with Sonia translating for me. A very worried Ruth came to us. She said that all the slots were full for the day, but the very last patient hadn't shown up.

She humbly asked if it would be possible if we could see her instead. Here she had the opportunity to sign herself up and be seen, yet she gave her spot away. Over and over! I wonder if she signed up the last patient and thought: "Well, I guess I won't get to see the doctor this time, but I trust God will take care of me."

Surgical update - Mali Africa

News from Zougoume, Mali Africa

Mom came to the clinic with her infant who was born with a urinary tract abnormality. He had a fistula (opening) directly between his bladder to his abdomen above his pubic area. His condition was serious because of his exposure to the pathogens causing infections and continuous urinary leaking from his abdomen.

Dr. Abdias Dognon, working with the MMI team in Zougoume, took leadership in consulting with a surgical resident. The surgery was immediately planned to reconstruct his urinary tract system. The surgery lasted 5 hours and it was a success!

Thanks for the MMI February team who made the funds available for the surgery.

Pastor Dembele has reported that Mom and Dad are pleased and were touched by the love expressed to them. They want to follow this God of love who provided the expertise and funds to heal their son.

UPCOMING PROJECTS:

Peru: June 27 - July 4 - Complete
Peru: Sept 12-19 - MDs, PAs, or NPs needed
Peru: Sept 19 - 26 - MDs, PAs, or NP needed
Mali:   Oct 30 - Nov 12 - Team complete
Mali:   Nov 13 - 26 - Team complete
Mali:    Jan 15 - 28 - Team complete
Mali:   Jan 29 - Feb 11 - Nurses needed

Click here if you would like to join a team.

Your prayers make us partners.

Continuation.... Why I participated in Medical Missions?

And take care of her He did! After I heard her humble request, I told her we would see her once, twice, and three times if she needed it. She told me her problem...it was significant. No wonder she was reluctant to ask. I wrote down her complaint and she got in line to see the providers. I quickly lost track of her as I began to hand out medicines for the patients leaving the clinic site. Next thing I knew, the day was over, the pharmacy was packed up, our medical team was on the bus. I ran to grab my backpack and turned around to see the most beautiful face in the world. There was my "sister" Ruth. The humble woman who had volunteered all week, who had put all others' needs before her's...her face radiant, tears streaming down both cheeks. She gave me a huge hug. "Thank you," she said, "MMI is going to help me. Sister, they are going to help me." Ruth went from having a chronic condition with no hope, to finding hope through the generosity of MMI.

So, when I consider being part of a short term mission, going because Jesus told me to go is important... but my favorite reason for going is because I get to call people like Ruth, "sister".

Jan with patient and mom