Of Brigades and Babies

So last week we had our first (annual?) medical and dental “brigade,” and I think that by all accounts it was a success… almost 300 served!  (Sounds like McDonalds:)) 

Many un-churched people heard the message of God’s love to them, received a good gospel tract, watched the Jesus Film or other evangelistic videos, and were personally prayed for and ministered to. 

Many asked for follow-up home visits from a pastor or Christian worker.  (That’s what we’re working on trying to organize this week). 

Nurse taking vital signs in our "pharmacy"

Many Christians from nearby churches were helped physically also, including kids from several missionary families. It reminded me of that verse in Galatians chapter six:  

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.   

PTL!  With three full-time dentists, two dental assistants, and three other dentists who generously shared as many hours as they could spare, it amounted to lots of dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, and check-ups!  

We were also able to provide lots of general medical appointments, some pediatric, some endocrinologist, and a few gynecological appointments. 

After being seen by our wonderful docs and nurses, people needing prescriptions filled could go to our mini-pharmacy where they were dispensed free medicine supplied for the purpose by a church in Puebla. 

 

The visiting dental and medical team from Puebla (a neighbouring state) did a fantastic job and was so well-organized that they made up for all our inexperience. All in all, many needy people were helped physically and spiritually. Thanks to everyone for all your prayers... to God be the glory!  

Then on Saturday afternoon, the last day of the brigade, a young mama arrived in labour, so our staff did a bit of scrambling to convert one of our rooms that had been used as a double medical consultation room back to a labour and delivery room.  

Welcome, Baby Anderson!

In spite of being exhausted after all their work putting on the brigade, our team mustered up strength from God. In the wee hours of the next morning they helped a beautiful baby boy named Anderson(!) make his way into the world.  
  

Kudos to Jenny Norris for her excellent management of that birth, and also to our friend, Dr. Candido, who arrived as a support and official medical signer at just the right moment!   

 Praise God from whom all blessings flow—including the blessing of physical strength in weariness!