Hello to all of you who have been a part of our recent mission project to the Dominican Republic to provide care to those in need. We appreciate your prayers and financial support. I wanted to give you an update but as we all know life continues and a new crisis has beset our country, and that is what I want to tell you about.
Our project was successful by any standard, even thou it didn't work out exactly as we had planned. But none the less, over 1000 patients received care and love from the 40 participants that went to the DR. Logistically, we had problems but it didn't prevent us from completing the project. You can read an article I put on my blog site entitled 41 tubs for some of the details.
Our process for doing the mission trip is a year long process. We begin collecting supplies and donations thru out the year storing those supplies in my basement "Mission Storeroom." One of the other surgeons also has a separate garage that we can use in addition. In October, we take the surgical supplies and package them to be sterilized. A hospital in Winfield Kansas, William Newton Memorial Hospital has graciously sterilized the supplies for us for over 10 years out of their desire to help those in need. We then pack all the supplies into 27 gallon tubs to take to the project.
Our collection process is definitely directed by God. We just take what is given and purchase whatever extra that we think we need. So, most of the time we end up with supplies left over and then we build from there for the next years project. That's where the unexpected blessings came to light this year.
Our local medical systems sent out a request last week for personal protective equipment (PPE) because of the Corona Virus pandemic. Since I returned from the mission trip I have not done much with my left over supplies because I am not going again until January to Monte Plata. So, I inventoried my supplies and called the hospital in Winfield to offer what I had. They were excited to find this unexpected stash of supplies. I packed up almost 15 boxes and tubs of gowns, masks, drapes, gloves and other supplies in a van that then took the supplies to the hospital.
As the story of the rich landowner in Luke 12 goes, it is better to give it all away rather that to build bigger storage units. I know that God will provide more when it comes time. I'm relatively sure that I had those supplies built up "for such a time as this."
I just wanted to say thank you to all the supporters of Live Greater Medical. You have been an important part of what we do. We continue to covet your prayers and your donations for taking the love of Jesus to those in need both in the Dominican Republic and here at home.
