But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
1 John 3:17-18
I know what you’re thinking—because I’m right there, too. It’s not even Thanksgiving, and already the stores are decorated for Christmas. Speakers blare out I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas, but some days here in Pittsburgh are still over 50 degrees and sunny. So what’s up with pushing it even further to the New Year?
In about two months—a long or short amount of time depending on perspective—it will be 2020. And although the ball won’t drop until then, parties won’t start, and crazy hats won’t be worn, right now is a time of planning for the year ahead at SEAPC. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and when it comes to missions, especially medical missions, having a viable plan is critical.
How are countries chosen for a medical team to visit? What goes into the process? Why are more medical professionals needed? And when is the next trip? These are important questions for anyone contemplating a short-term experience out of the country.
The simple answer, of course, is that destinations are selected through prayer. The entire SEAPC organization prays regularly for direction and illumination. It’s the best indicator of a successful venture because, as we all know, God’s will is perfect, and His plan will be fulfilled.
Through prayer, opportunities arise. Friends around the world recognize the multifaceted benefits of Jesus-based, prayer-covered medical care. They welcome practitioners and prayer warriors into their communities. Relationships that are developed with local pastors and churches identify needs yet to be met, people yet to be reached. God may whisper a call to a specific country into the heart of a member of the core medical team or Missions Director. And sometimes, a previous trip highlights a nation for further outreach.
The process is flexible and God-driven. Once a destination is proposed, there is coordination and logistics with hosts. Basics like in-country transportation, lodging, and food must be arranged in advance. Locations for pop-up clinics are chosen; often, the event is advertised through the church to the community. Medications and supplies are assembled, through individual donations, Brother’s Brother, and purchase of things here that are unavailable there.
Much thought goes into this process. Considerations include: where medications are the least expensive; illnesses specific to destination; Customs regulations; baggage allowances; the size of team/expertise. Meds being transported are inventoried, packaged, and labeled to make pharmacy services easier. Thought is given to what can be taken to bless our hosts and/or physicians or hospitals as well as to treat patients.
Most people find it tough to get off work, and unless retired, it means using vacation hours to serve rather than to play. As SEAPC builds the medical platform further, adding more workers is vital. The goal is one trip per quarter. That’s a lot of time off for the same group of people. So who is needed? Doctors of any background or specialty. Nurse practitioners. Physician Assistants. Nurses. Physical therapists. Nutritionists. Prayer warriors. You don’t have to be Pittsburgh-based to join in for ten days to two weeks.
It’s very hard to explain, but going on a medical mission is the best “vacation” you can experience. It’s one thing to see the world from a cruise ship or tour bus. But to become an intimate part of lives, to encounter Divine appointments, to participate in adventures for the Lord? This is an entirely new level of service and blessing. The medical team is cohesive, Spirit-covered, and has fun. It’s tough to make a case for suffering for the Gospel when we return so excited and eager to go again.
We have taken medical care into schools, children’s homes, and cities, but also practice in places where there is literally no other healthcare available. This has led to some interesting experiences. Flooded villages in Myanmar. Voodoo areas in Haiti. Red Zones in Guatemala City. Mountaintops in the Himalayas. We were the first Western medical team in Kashmir, India, since 1946. Each place has a multitude of stories that bolster faith and show that our God is alive and active here and now. And that He works through us. Talk about humbling.
The most common maladies seen are universal: hypertension, diabetes, reflux, pain, rashes, infections. The occasional snakebite, anthrax, and dengue fever are a bit more exotic and location-specific. Although basic care is provided, true healing comes through prayer. Cataracts cleared. Tumors disappeared. Pain vanished. The deaf have heard. The lame walked.
The schedule for 2020 is still evolving. Medical missions require preparation—but also a great deal of flexibility. At this writing, there is a probable trip in January, still in the prayer phase. From April 2 to April 10, the team will return to Guatemala, this time hoping to venture into more rural settings while still ministering where our hosts, Hector and Debbie Zetino, send us. We will work with Drs. Marta and Salvatore Sanchinelli and other local physicians, a luxury rarely afforded in other locales where we are usually the sole providers.
Are you retired? Are you a student? Are you in the prime of your career? All Christ-followers are welcome to join us. Words simply can’t convey the beauty, blessing, and benefit of medical mission travel. For many of us, the time spent on a trip is real life. We love our families, homes, and friends, and most of us are not called to long-term mission assignments. But home is the place where we regroup and organize for the next trip, for the exhilaration of carrying the Holy Spirit to the least and the lost of this world. And for preparing souls for the eternal life that awaits believers.
Passionate doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about medical missions. I have served in: Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar, Kashmir, Indonesia, Kenya, Haiti, Guatemala, and Mexico. Some places more than once. The printed page fails to capture the excitement and joy and fulfillment they bring to those served and to those serving.
Call me. Meet with me. Coffee or tea is my treat. Let me show you and tell you about more specifics. Your training and education have equipped you to serve in a unique and awesome manner. Use those gifts and skills to glorify the Lord!
Come with the SEAPC Medical Team. Feel His power flowing through you. Be His hands and feet. It will be life-altering. That’s a promise.
Your New Year will be happy, indeed!
Contact Laurel for more information or to collect on that free cup of coffee—latte or chai included: laurel@seapc.org or 724-575-0575.
