A Day on an EMMC, Mark's perspective

It has been a while since I have written here so I thought I would share some pictures and comments about our Evangelistic Medical Mission Crusade last month. We were in the state of Guerrero just north of Acapulco. We worked at two locations. The first was at the host church, providing services for their community. The second was at the edge of Acapulco where we worked from somebody's home. I have a few photos I am going to use to walk you through a day on an EMMC.

The waiting area

When host churches do a really good job of letting the local people know we are going to be there, we always start the day with a large group of people waiting to be seen. Fortunately at this location they were able to be in the shade to wait for check in time. When we are ready to start check in they line up and let Vero know what service they want. In most cases each person is allowed to see one of either the doctor, the dentist, or the eye doctor per day. During the check in time basic information is collected for the doctors and weight and blood pressure is recorded. When space allows, there are separate waiting areas for each service where the people can then go wait for their turn.

Isabel doing an eye exam

Isabel brings glasses and her exam equipment on almost all the EMMCs. She checks eyes and provides glasses that will improve peoples vision. Many of the glasses are reading glasses and more common prescriptions. This way she can improve the most peoples vision. I have also seen some amazing repairs made for people who bring in broken glasses.

Dr. Escamilla praying with one of his patients

The medical doctors do exams and basic medical procedures, including everything from ear washing to minor surgery. We also have a doctor who provides gynecological exams in a private room. Sometimes there is a room available, but sometimes it has to be built with tarps or tents. They begin each day with prayers and continue to pray through the day.

Leslie doing a dental exam

It seems like there are always more dental patients then there is time to see in a day. We had three dentists working in both locations for this EMMC and they were busy they whole time. The dental machines (or robotines as we call them) are a little touchy and seem to require some kind of attention every time they are set up. We had to take one out of service for a whole day on this trip. Fortunately we were in an area where we could get it repaired. It needed a new compressor unit. The dental tools and suction require compressed air to operate. The compressors look like the ones in a refrigerator, but are special for dental tools. (Victor is hoping to have a local technician teach us some basic service techniques so we can minimize the problems and repair them more quickly.)

A young boy playing on the dirt floor while mom sees the dentist

The home we were working from at the second location provided a large space but most of it was outdoors. Gynecology and eye exams were inside as well as the food preparation for the entire team. The doctors and dentists worked outside under the cover of an outer wall with a roof but just a dirt floor. The dirt provided some entertainment for the boy in the picture above while his mom was having her teeth looked at.

Free haircut

Free haircuts are a part of almost every crusade. You might not think of a hair cut as a vital need in a person's life, but being able to look in the mirror and like your own appearance does wonders for self esteem. When people look in the mirror and smile at a new haircut or a repaired tooth, it brings new good feelings about themselves.

Helen working the pharmacy

Medications are provided by donation of some that are past their "sell by" date. The medicine is still effective and is put to good use. People are very understanding and happy to receive the free medicine. Victor sometimes has to make a trip to a local pharmacy to purchase some medicines that we want to be able to provide.

Becky praying with a family

Usually while people are waiting for their prescription, they visit the evangelists. Becky has shared some amazing stories that people have shared with her about their lives. The evangelists are very encouraging to people and help them see the truth of the Gospel and that God is with them. These short counseling sessions are just the beginning of the work the local church must continue. The local pastor or missionary is given the names and addresses of the people who accepted Christ during the week. Then they can follow up with them and disciple them in their spiritual growth.

Clowning with the kids

Clowning is a great way to gather kids and get their interest. They love to play games and sing songs with the clowns. As the clowns play with the kids they introduce the Gospel and give the kids a chance to pray.

Team photo displaying our new orange t-shirts

A day off at the beach

Most EMMCs include a day off for the team to play together. This week we went to the beach at Acapulco and enjoyed the sun and surf. The photo of the seagulls above is one of my favorites from the day.
I hope this entry shows you a little of what we do on an EMMC. Each one is a little different because of the location and the people involved.

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
Matt 9:36-38