Grace Church of Glendora - Team 1 Philippines Report

Team 1 Philippines Report

Team Philippines
Medical Mission Team
Dates: April 4 -17

GFA Philippines Medical Mission Report 2010 from Grace Church of Glendora

Grace Church sent off 11 medical professionals to the Philippines to serve from April 4 – April 17 in 3 different sites, at the:

Center for Biblical Studies Seminary – Antipolo, Rizal
Community Life Ministries – Cainta, Rizal
Grace Medical Clinic – Saranggani, Davao del Sur

Half of their story is yet to be told, as the team headed out to the southern part of the Philippines at the time of this article’s publication. We can’t wait to put to print God’s mighty moving at the first two sites, as our glocal partners shared….

For Pictures CLICK HERE

Check out the video of our medical team's work on the second site (Cainta, Rizal).

	Initial Update from Ann Johannsen (Optometrist), sent 4/11 I have been in the Philippines for one week now and we are in our last and very remote Grace Clinic site in Kihan. So amazed that they have wi-fi here. I hope it doesn't brown out while I'm sending this. You guys would have loved the jeep ride down here after the 2 hr flight. It was like the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland with mud flying all over the front and sides of the jeep as we crossed the same river 5 times weaving in 4 wheel drive through rocks and 3 ft rutts!! It was a blast! This is so very primitive that we are sleeping with many lg bugs crawling across the floors and beds and walls. I just had my 3 dipper-full of water "shower" with non drinkable water. The mangos, bananas, and pineapples are soooo good but menudo for lunch and fish for dinner was a real stretch for me. We are so exhausted and I am sending this before bed. You can't believe how hot and humid it is here and there is no escape. I just wipe my face and keep on going with sweat trickling down my back and front, etc. It is about 9:00PM and a little cooler with fans going. I have my optometry room all set up and ready to go for 8:00 AM when we are expecting 1000 people coming from all over the farming areas and mountains. Many will walk 5 hours + to see us as there has not been a medical team here in 2 years. I share a room with Ruth (Miguel's mom) dentist. She pulls teeth all day (so we call her Ruthless , HA). There are 11 of us now from Grace Church and they are a fun bunch. We will be here doing clinic for 3 1/2 days. I have already given out over 300 pairs of glasses and treated some conjunctivitis and iritis and have seen many, many cataracts and pterygium. In this area most are farmers and are outside a lot of the day. About 50% literacy and maybe only 10 TV's which are shared by the families owning them. We have military guards 24 hrs day carrying large guns and have been instructed not leave the area without escorts and what to do if we get a code red or yellow. There will be a lot of governmental and political types here tomorrow too I guess to make a showing of support for out team.


	From: Rev. Laudemar Lubaton Center of Biblical Studies “It was a gigantic leap of sharing the gospel to the communities here. The people I’ve talked to were very grateful for the medical services and spiritual help they received. Their smiles tell of the joy they have in receiving Bibles, medicines, and eyeglasses. A father of a 15-year old boy, probably the oldest among the many young boys that were bravely circumcised, was so grateful to have this procedure done for free. Others have been turned away as we ran out of sutures and other supplies. The GFA medical team did an excellent work! The spirit of each one as they serve is just so infectious that is greatly motivated us to be always up and about. Many of our own staff and students have been low in energy after closing activities of the school. Dr. Marianito Abagon, an anesthesiologist and church leader, gathered together a group of doctors, dentists, optometrists, and nurses. They, too, have given their time and resources sacrificially to work alongside the GFA medical team. They were grateful for the privilege to participate in such a noble mission and have committed to come again when the opportunity to serve arises. The investment that GFA had put in translated to people receiving salvation that day. Sick people received much needed medical treatment. People witnessed the love of God in action through His people. A mother came with her so and was so delighted to see our youth involved and serving in this manner. She wants to attend church and give her son the same experience. Over all it was a triumph of God’s gospel as people heard the Lord’s message of salvation. The Lord is to be praised in everything.” Medical needs & procedures addressed and number of patients seen were as follows: 107 surgical procedures 269 pediatric cases 37 obstetrics & gynecology 319 dental procedures 218 optical exams & eyewear distribution 121 internal medicine consultation & treatment 131 general/physical exams 1102 TOTAL Over 200 people prayed to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.


	From: Pastor Luis Faller National Director – Moral Values Movement of the Philippines Head Pastor – Community Life Ministries, Cainta, Rizal “April 9, 2010, the date designated for our MEDICAL MISSION, held at the BALANTI COVERED COURT, BARANGAY SAN ISIDRO, CAINTA, RIZAL, scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event sponsors, financers, promoters, supporters and most especially the people behind the scenes contributed to the success this mission. It took us months to prepare for such occasion, Sis. Gickee Ormeo plays the most important role in communicating and corresponding, coordinating detailed programs and plans. Our preparation included the following: purchasing medicines from 3 big pharmaceutical companies, purchasing 500 Bibles, coordination with the Barangay Captains, promoting the event, securing and organizing the place of the event. Observing the CBS Medical Mission provided valuable insights as to how to manage the program We prepared 1000 Application/Registration Forms for our control & file. Providentially all forms were filled out. Over 1000 patients came in and follow our procedure: 1.) Registration 2.)Case Categorization 3.) Doctor’s Diagnoses 4.) Counseling 5.) Pharmacy Dispensing & Bible Distribution. Aside from the 11 members of GFA’s medical team , we had local volunteers which included 1 surgeon, 1 anesthesiologist, 5 nurses and 10 Social Health Workers. 6 Pastors & 5 Church workers handled the Counseling, Witnessing & Evangelism. 100 barangay officials volunteered to assist & help while waiting for the afternoon’s Paramedical Seminar that was scheduled between 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. People who came to avail of the medical services were from the most deprived area in Cainta. The majority are elderly people and children. Most suffered from fever, flu, cough, malnutrition, high blood pressure, and lack of vitamins. Hundred of people availed of the dental and optical services. Young boys waited anxiously to be circumcised. With our huge number of security & staff we were able to manage the crowd in a very efficient way. But we can only do as much; countless people kept on coming and sadly turned away. With all the complexities and frustrations that were unavoidable in such a huge event, we are most thankful for the understanding, cooperation & patience of the GFA Medical Team. They can easily adjust! I am deeply touched to see the unconditional love, the passion & selflessness to help these people who craving for help - physically & spiritually. As I observed one station to another, I am deeply moved by the unreserved love and the sense of self-forgetfulness. I commend this Medical team who spared their precious time and resources for these less fortunate people. As the patients went to the pharmacy station (the last part of the procedure), holding the Bible & doctor’s recommendation, I saw tears of joy…none can replace their joy - as if this is the only day they felt genuine love & concern. Personally, I praise God for this wonderful day, where we were able to serve and reach 1087 helpless & needy people physically, morally & spiritually. Great, awesome, wonderful day we can never forget. Our hearts overflow with gladness & satisfaction, that on this very single day, 418 people received Christ as their personal Lord & Savior – what spiritual healing that took place! Thanks for the Medical Mission Team! Let the PICTURES SPEAK FOR ITSELF! On behalf of the Movement for Moral Values in the Phils. & Community Life Ministries, our utmost thanks & appreciation for the outpouring of love. GRACE FOR ASIA, thank you very much & GOD bless you more! Hope that this is just the beginning of our partnership in HIS ministry. For HIS glory!”