The Knock, Spring 2004

A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF OPPORTUNITY
PHYSICIANS, DENTISTS AND ALLIED HEALTH PERSONNEL
A SERVICE OF THE UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION
UNITED METHODIST FELLOWSHIP OF HEALTH CARE VOLUNTEERS

Health Care Planning	President's Letter	Jurisdictional Report
Consultant’s Corner	From the GBGM	Book Review
Eye Team to Haiti	Mission to Panama	Malnourishment
Mission to Nicaragua	Angola 2004	El Salvador Mission
HIV / AIDS Training	Mission to Honduras	Making History in Nicaragua
Bulletin Board	Opportunities for Medical Teams	Future Teams, Planned
Sources of Medical Supplies	UMF / HCV Application Form	UMF / HCV Of Directors
From the Editor's Desk	Jurisdictional and National UMVIM Coordinators

This is the first part of a very thoughtful, insightful and helpful article.
The second part will be in the next issue. - Ed.

Part One
In my work as a short term missionary providing health care delivery in Haiti for the last several years, I have found four elements to be critical in the planning and implementing of health care in Haiti. These are 1. Understanding the purpose of medical missions, 2. Providing ownership of the system ultimately to the indigenous people, 3. Understanding illness and the provision/reception of health care within the context of the local culture and 4. Evaluating how to provide the highest common denominator of best care to the most people.

In this series of articles we will examine each of these directly and look at how we can impact on Haiti or any other country in a positive manner as we promote the cause of Christ through the incarnate ministry of health care provision. This article will deal with the first two.

In determining what elements are critical to any health care delivery system in missions, one must first begin by evaluating and defining what your definition of missions, specifically medical mission, is. Frequently people mistakenly confuse missions with relief and/or development. Medical missions, as missions in general, has as its final goal the planting of indigenous churches which will become self propagating and thus continue to act out the great commission. Relief and/or development are focused on end results which are measurable more in terms of public health factors or economic advancement. The cause of the church has no real impact in its work.
True medical missions are the promotion of Christ first through health care. A medical mission program which has the propagation of local indigenous church needs to begin there. In using an incarnate ministry effort, a ministry such as the delivery of health care to show the love and compassion of Christ and thus evangelize through works and not direct preaching, one must have as the main underlying theme promoting the cause of Christ. This is best done through work with a local congregation or Christian leader. Beginning with a local fellowship will allow your medical missions work to draw in others through the fellowship by the provision of health care, a ministry of compassion. In doing so, the cause of the local indigenous church is served.

So as faith based groups use missions to provide incarnate ministry efforts in the form of delivery of health care, we need to always be conscious of our final goal - the development of indigenous churches which can go on to form others and offer the gospel of Christ as a way of life, thus acting out the great commission.

The second goal then of any medical mission effort should be to turn the work over entirely to the indigenous population. This is a critical factor and one which must be addressed in the planning stages for it to be carried out effectively. This is something which must be planned when the work is being developed. Having the indigenous people take ownership both physically and emotionally of the program in the beginning phases is critical to this process as time progresses. Many well-intentioned Christian groups begin by “providing” health care for local people and never begin to think about how to help them provide it for themselves. Trying to break the power of created dependency after a program has been established for some period of time is much more difficult. So a well-defined exit strategy is critical in the planning of the health care delivery system. If this is designed up front, it is easier to make that transition than to provide a program which encourages dependency on the missionaries and subsequently try to get the people to take ownership of it later in the process.

Dependency is a difficult problem in dealing with health care delivery systems in the third world. , it can be prevented and even if the program is not completely sustainable, establishing it in such a manner so that as much of the work can be done by Haitians as possible with support, whether financial and/or personnel, is really going to provide the Haitians with the best possible outcome.
In addition, and maybe most importantly, it will not impact negatively on their self esteem.
As we look at how to “teach a man to fish” as opposed to “giving him a fish” we will change our focus from “us” to “them”. In doing so the program will be more functional as it is ultimately owned and carried out by the local people.

In the next part of this article we will evaluate what a wholistic health care program looks like in the context of culture and give you an example of one we are in the process of setting up.

By April Perry, RN, APN, M.Ed
Duke University Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Program
Chairman, Board of Directors, Luke’s Mission, Inc

As we all know, worldwide there is a fundamental inequity of healthcare. Many people in countries less fortunate than ours do not have access to basic healthcare.

As Christians we can use our principles of love and compassion in the service of those who are less fortunate.

You can make a difference. We can each do our part to treat people in need of healthcare, to teach modern methods to struggling healthcare workers, and to provide moral support for those living in a world of poverty and illness.

Please consider donating your time and effort to participate in a United Methodist short term medical mission project. You will find it to be more educational, more exciting, and more satisfying than a vacation.

Mike Sluss, MD

DENTAL CLINIC AT THE KISSY CLINIC IN FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE

By Rev. Nick Elliott, Director, UMVIM, SEJ

In February, I had the pleasure of traveling to Sierra Leone with Dr. Solomon Christian, DDS, the president of the UMVIM, SEJ Medical Fellowship and Ms. Jacqueline Little of Memphis, Tenn. Our purpose was to evaluate the need of a Dental Clinic at the Kissy Clinic in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Dr. Christian has a vision of a dental clinic for each and every country in the world and Sierra Leone’s need for dental care made it a priority.

I was amazed at the gracious and accommodating reception we received by Bishop Humper, Dr. Dennis Marke and the Sierra Leone Annual Conference. Dr. Christian went right to work evaluating the clinic space and the instruments on hand. The need is great and no time was wasted in making plans. The Dental Care Therapist program in some parts of the world is a practical education/ apprenticeship to provide training for dental care that includes cleaning, extractions and simple fillings. Solomon also made arrangements to send two candidates to Zimbabwe for this training and a correspondence course leading to American certification. The dental clinic will be prepared by the time the technicians are trained.

It was a real pleasure to watch Dr. Christian get right to work and make things happen. The first day, after the clinic was cleaned and evaluated, Solomon went right to work. He gave dental care to patients on each and every day including Sunday afternoon and the morning of our day of departure. While I was busy attending the Annual Conference and making contacts, Solomon was busy doing what he does best, giving dental care.

Some highlights of the trip for me were the opportunity to take part in the Ordination Service held at Annual Conference and spending time with Bishop Humper of Sierra Leone, Bishop Innis of Liberia, and Bishop Kulah, former bishop of Liberia. The Episcopal leadership given by these men of God is excellent and visionary, and they are seeking medical clinics and personnel for West Africa. The future will be bright as these leaders bring their countries through the travails and heartaches of civil wars.

Building projects, you bet! For more information on construction projects contact your Jurisdictional office.

In Christ,
Rev. Nick Elliott, Director, UMVIM, SEJ
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 750, Decatur, GA 30030
Tel (404) 377-7424, Fax (404) 377-8182
E-mail: Nick_Elliott@umvim.org
Web: http://www.UMVIM.org

For many years a large number of UMVIM health care teams have been crossing the US Mexican Border to serve communities in Mexico, particularly those that are within a short distance of the 1500 mile border. Although getting medicines through customs can be problematic in any country, it is safe to say that nowhere else in the world is the problem more difficult or complex than at the US/Mexico Border.

Part of this problem is most certainly that, according to Mexican law, it is illegal to bring medicines into Mexico, even if they are for charitable purposes, will be given to the poor, and will not be sold or exchanged for anything of value. Another problem is the sheer volume of individuals and teams trying to bring medicines through customs.

Two recent incidents have raised real concerns. The first, a missionary (not United Methodist) was stopped at the 30 kilometer checkpoint in Northeast Mexico. He was found to have quantities of cough medicine containing pseudoephedrine, an innocuous, over-the-counter drug widely used in children’s and adult cold medicines. Unfortunately it is now illegally being used to enhance the effects of methamphetamine. All of his medicines were confiscated and he was put in jail.

The second incident occurred just a few weeks ago. A United Methodist affiliated health care team from Arizona crossed the border at Nogales to serve a Mexican community. Because they had experienced previous trouble with medicines at the border, they gave $2400 worth of medicines, vitamins and supplies to a Dr. Garcia, a Mexican national surgeon who was accompanying the team. When he attempted to cross the border, Dr. Garcia was stopped, searched, his car seized, the medicines confiscated, and he was fined $800 for “not having the proper authority”. This occurred in spite of the fact that he had a Mexico federal government letter of recommendation and official permission to bring the medicines to Mexico. He was cited as having committed a crime. The team was forced to turn back at the border because they had no medicines or supplies with which to work.

There are no easy solutions to this problem. Several possibilities can be considered.
We can continue to “smuggle” the medicines distributed through our luggage. We need to be mindful that in so doing we are doing something illegal-committing a crime according to Mexican law.

We can obtain an official letter from the Bishop of the respective Mexico Conference, or from a high-ranking government official. This has worked at times, but certainly did not in the latter case discussed.

We can purchase medicines in Mexico. This can be possibly hazardous to the health of the people we treat, according to a recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine, Counterfeit Drugs: NEJM:350:1384, April 1, 2004. The article states that, although the incidence of counterfeit drugs is less than 1% in the US, it is 10 to 50 % in Latin America, Asia and Africa. This means that the medicines sold are not what is on the label. This percentage does not include drugs that are less potent or less pure than the equivalent US or Canadian drug. In addition, it is often difficult for teams to locate reliable wholesale sources of drugs when they are new to the area and have not established dependable local sources.

Some suggest the possibility of bribes. This, in my opinion, compounds the illegality of our actions, and sets a dangerous precedent, and the possibility of escalation of the problem for future teams. This is also illegal.

The last consideration is to quit sending medical teams. I feel that this is no solution. Medical/Dental teams are an important part of our mission effort in Mexico. The needs are so great. Stopping our trips would deprive the sick and needy, seriously curtail our border ministries, and delay efforts to help build a health care system for poor communities in Mexico. Church officials from the Mexican Annual Conferences and from the US Conferences, and border ministries organizations need to take action, and work toward solutions to this problem. Is this Law that we are disobeying designed specifically to stop us from treating the poor and sick in Mexico or is this an unintended result of the law? Can the law be changed? We need to act together to address this important issue. Please send me your comments and suggestions.

Roger Boe, MD
Medical Consultant, UMF/HCV

In compiling the report of UMVIM activity for the GBGM Board of Directors, the Jurisdictional Coordinators reported the following in terms of Health Care Teams in 2003. We can certainly celebrate the increase in the number of Health Care Teams servicing others through ministries of healing body, mind and spirit, as a servant of Christ, providing health care to a world in need.

2003 UMVIM Medical Contributions

North Central Jurisdiction
Medical Teams: 17
Members: 190
Contributions: $19,200.00

Northeastern Jurisdiction
Medical Teams: 41
Members: 135
Contributions: $1,023,000.00

South Central Jurisdiction
Medical Teams: 129
Members: 1,072
Contributions: $346,500.00

Southeastern Jurisdiction
Medical Teams: 80
Members: 1,083
Contributions: $461,529.00

Western Jurisdiction
Medical Teams: 16
Members: 212
Contributions: $502,125.00

TOTALS
Medical Teams: 283
Members: 2,692
Contributions: $2,352,354

Pathologies of Power: Health, Human Rights and the New War on the Poor
by Paul Farmer, MD, PhD (University of California Press, 2003)

Dr. Paul Farmer is a physician and medical anthropologist by training. He is currently Professor of Medical Anthropology at Harvard Medical School and the Co-Director of Harvard’s Program in Infectious Disease and Social Change. He is also Co-Founder and Director of Partners in Health, an Agency that provides health care in Haiti and other developing countries.

In this latter capacity he has worked for the past 20 years as a front-line physician in rural Haiti, and to a lesser extent in Russia, Peru, and Chiapas Mexico. In Pathologies of Power, Dr. Farmer has written a powerful, passionate, deeply moving, and often deeply disturbing account of the struggle of the poor and sick to survive in a hostile world. He draws from his extensive experience working with the hardest diseases, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria, under the most adverse conditions.

From his view as a distinguished physician and medical anthropologist he analyzes the ways in which the most basic rights of many of the world’s people-the rights to health and even to survival-are trampled underfoot, even in our age of scientific advancement and increasing affluence. Much of this suffering originates from what Farmer calls structural violence, violence that has somehow become incorporated and embedded in our institutions, economies, and governments. This violence has become so pervasively and insidiously embedded that we become largely oblivious or in denial of what is happening in our world.

Dr. Farmer draws from his experience powerfully etched personal portraits of individuals who have been tortured, brutalized, made ill, and even murdered by these pathologies of power. He combines these images with careful scholarship and detailed factual information, and then analyzes these complex issues from the Christian perspective of liberation theology. By way of solution he calls for a new agenda in health and human rights. The agenda that he feels needs to be adopted has health and healing at its core.

Farmer asks us to endorse and apply what he calls pragmatic solidarity, defined as a compassionate bond with the world’s sick, impoverished and oppressed that is combined with a call to action to use the scientific advances, the technology and the affluence in practical outreach and service to the world’s poor. “We must take a stand by the side of those who suffer from a harsh (and often violent) world order.” Dr. Farmer has given us a shining example of pragmatic solidarity in his life work and his brilliant writing.

Pathologies of Power is a complex and powerful statement of the reality of the world of the poor and oppressed in the 21st century. It calls to task the developed nations for not only failing to use their power and affluence to relieve suffering, disease and poverty, but actually helping to create and perpetuate the problem. This is certainly one of the most challenging and thought provoking books that I have read in recent years. Dr. Farmer can rightly be called a modern day prophet because of his truth-telling and his religious convictions. All of us who seek to improve the health of the poor and marginalized of the world should read this book.

The first eye team for 2004 departed Columbia, SC on January 15, 2004. Team members consisted of Mrs. Kathryn Crosswell, ophthalmic nurse, Mrs. Cheryl Burgess, optician assistant, Mr. Tal Morgan, Biomedical Engineer, Dr. R.B. Antley, optometrist, Mr. Edward Crosswell, Wofford College Pre-Med student, and Hal H. Crosswell, Jr. ophthalmologist.

Upon arrival at the airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the team was met by Charles Mattox, our UMCOR representative for the Methodist Guest House in Port-au-Prince. We had a pleasant overnight stay at the guesthouse in Port-au-Prince, at which time we met with Dr. Françoise Dennery and Dr. Brigitte Hudicourt, two ophthalmologists from the Port-au-Prince area who are working with our United Methodist Eye Program in Haiti. We also met with Pastor Ralph Dennizard, who was in Port-au-Prince for the United Methodist Synod meeting. At this time, various aspects of the medical, dental and eye program in Jeremie were discussed and all thought that the work was progressing satisfactorily in that area.

The following morning we departed by Caribintair for our flight to Jeremie. After much discussion with the airline officials, we were able to get all of our medical supplies on the flight to Jeremie rather than having them sent at a later time. We were met at the airport in Jeremie by representatives of the project in Gebeau. We were then taken directly to the Methodist Guest House and after unloading our personal items, went straight to the project at Gebeau to begin our work. Upon arrival at the eye clinic at Gebeau, we found the staff busy unpacking medications and supplies, which had been shipped earlier. After a short time of organization of the existing and new supplies and medicines, work was begun in both seeing patients and performing eye surgery. Many patients were present on the first day eagerly awaiting our services. Much of our equipment in the operating room was in need of some repair and this was performed by our Biomedical engineer, Tal Morgan.

The Cuban ophthalmologist, Dr. Miladis Sintes Jiminez, who has been assigned to Jeremie for a two-year period, and has been working in our clinic during the preceding year. She is a most delightful and intelligent physician who has been learning new techniques from the visiting ophthalmologist at the clinic. She has afforded us the opportunity of having continued eye care at the clinic when visiting teams are not present. Also our full-time ophthalmic nurse, Mr. Dario Paulemont, has been an excellent addition for the clinic in not only performing daily duties with patient management but also in keeping our inventory well stocked and equipment in good order. He has done an excellent job and certainly the clinic would not be as efficient without his services.
As in past years, there was certainly no shortage of patients needing our services during our stay. We performed approximately 800 consultations and approximately 40 eye surgeries consisting of cataract, pterygium, and other procedures. Most of the patients with cataracts were essentially blind and needless to say, upon removal of the dressing the following day, were very happy and excited to be able to see again.

We again spent much of our time teaching new surgical techniques to Dr. Jimenez and our two visiting Haitian ophthalmologists, Dr. Brigitte Hudicourt and Dr. Françoise Dennery. Time was spent with these physicians in addition to the clinic staff instructing them in new surgical techniques as well as the treatment of many eye problems, which we encountered. This was certainly a most fulfilling experience for all of us. These physicians from Haiti and Cuba afford us the opportunity of having continued eye care year-round at this remote facility.

Many of the pharmaceutical and optical companies have made significant contributions to this program over the years. Certainly without such gifts, this program would not have been possible. These companies include Alcon, Allergan, Bausch and Lomb, Ethicon, Pfizer, Merck, Novartis, Santen, Southern Anesthesia, Sonomed, Ocusoft and Akorn. We are certainly most grateful to all of these companies for all that they do to make this program possible.

Both the new medical and dental clinic have been completed and are functioning well. The tuberculosis clinic is almost complete and should be ready for use within six months. The new dentist, Dr. Joubert Michel is very busy in the new dental clinic and is performing both restorative and corrective dentistry. The equipment donated by Dr. Joe Brantley is functioning well in this new facility. The new director of the project, Lamar John Baptiste, is planning a new overnight stay facility where patients having surgery can spend the night before leaving for their home the following day. This building is already in existence and will just require a little renovation by a visiting team. In addition, a security wall has been started and hopefully will be completed within the coming year. When these projects are complete, this regional medical center will be complete and available for treatment of medical, dental and eye problems of all patients in this region. Needless to say, this will provide quality care to people in this region of Haiti who have not been privileged to have such in the past. Dr. Samuel, who is the family physician at the medical clinic, is working very hard facing many medical problems daily. It is hoped that specialists in gastroenterology, cardiology, dermatology, and otolaryngology can make visits in the coming months to help with special problems there.

We met with the new director of the project, Lamar John Baptiste, in addition to his two assistants who outlined the proposed plans for the development of the project at Gebeau. The monetary needs for construction of the new security wall and overnight stay facility were discussed and will be presented to the UMVIM committee. They have requested that we recruit several teams for the purpose of completing these two most needed projects.

While in Jeremie, we attended a meeting of the local Jeremie Rotary Club. Both the Columbia, S. C., Rotary Club and Chapin, S. C. Rotary Club have given monetary help to this club so that much needed equipment and supplies can be purchased for the local hospital (St. Antoine) in Jeremie. While there, we made a tour of the hospital with Dr. Royneld Bourdeau who outlined and demonstrated the tremendous needs of this facility. It is hoped that other Rotary clubs will join in this effort to help provide basic hospital facilities for the people of this region. The Columbia Rotary Club has helped the hospital purchase a new anesthesia machine and the Chapin Rotary Club has donated money so that other needed equipment in the operating room can be purchased.
The Methodist church in Jeremie is very strong and active; however, with the worsening economic situation in that country, this has filtered down to economic problems within the Methodist church. The political situation is certainly one of concern and seems to be deteriorating daily. There appears to be a standoff between the Aristide supporters and the anti-Aristide groups. There have been some reports of violence in some of the peaceful demonstrations, which were promoted by the anti-Aristide groups. Our visit to Jeremie was certainly a most productive and peaceful one with only one anti-Aristide demonstration witnessed during our stay.

Again, all of the team members expressed their feelings that far more was gained by all of us than was given while there. We are certainly all concerned about the deteriorating political situation in Haiti and particularly with the increased civil unrest. There is a growing discontentment with the Aristide government and no one knows what the future holds, but it certainly seems possible that a political change will occur in the near future. Pastor Raphael Dessieu, who is the superintendent of the Methodist church in Haiti, has asked that we all keep Haiti and its people in our thoughts and prayers.

Hal H. Crosswell, Jr., MD
Coordinator-Ophthalmology Services, Project Haiti
UMVIM, 1920 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC 29201

We have recently returned form another successful medical mission to Bongo, a beautiful and poor rural area in the hills of Northwestern Panama. For my wife Pat and me, this was our 7th medical mission to this area, all under the auspices of UMVIM. For Faith United Methodist Church, it was the 2nd mission, and now has become an annual mission of our Faith UMC in Ft. Myers. When we return to Bongo, we now feel that in a sense we are going home. We know and love the people in this rural area. Although the people are poor in material goods, they are in many ways spiritually richer than we are. When our group, or the medical group from our sister church in Chapel Hill, N.C., are not there, the Bongo people get very little medical care. We coordinate our efforts with Dr. Wes Wallace and his N. Carolina group, so that at least one of us is there approximately every 6 months.
As every mission is composed of the members of the mission, this mission was then very special, indeed. In the limited space in this article, I cannot list all of the members of the mission and their duties, but what a great group of people. I must mention Dr. Tatiana Adam, a Russian born and trained physician, who lives in Panama City with her husband David (the Canadian Ambassador), and who saw the adult patients. Since first joining our group in March, 2003, she has become very active in her efforts to help the poor people of Panama, working in Bongo with our sister church from Chapel Hill in August, and more recently joining an expedition to the dangerous jungles of Eastern Darien Province to treat the impoverished Embrero Indians. The people in Bongo now know and love her. Also there is Dr. Brad Middaugh, whose Optometry clinics have made a large contribution to our mission effort for the people in this area.

Our Assistant Pastor for Missions, David Sageser, was our spiritual advisor, and wrote the eloquent and sometimes moving narrative in our web site (www.faithum.com click on missions) . His most important job, however, may have been to hold the hands, and occasionally the children, of the little patients who were getting finger stick hemoglobin tests. The daily jobs are not as important as the spiritual presence and the sense of Christian giving of each person. We could not have carried out this mission without the help of all of our Panamanian helpers as well as Rev. Rhett Thompson, our mission co-ordinator. Of course, we could never have accomplished the mission without the prayers and financial support of the people of Faith UMC.

Pediatric Report: Dr. Rufo
I saw 182 infants and children in 4 ½ days of clinics. Symptomatic intestinal parasites (worms) remains the greatest problem. All children and adults are routinely treated for worms with mebendazole. The anemia incidence, with our hemoglobin screening program, was 13% of the pediatric patients, a decrease from the 20% seen on our last mission. All of the children and many of the adults are given packets of multiple vitamins with iron. A total of 45,000 vitamin with iron tablets were dispensed. Without the resources of the mission drug company, Blessings International, we could not afford to do this. Dr. "Rufo" and small friend

Many of the children had respiratory infections, and 20 were diagnosed as chronic allergies. Eight cases of bronchitis/bronchopneumonia were diagnosed. Tonsillitis, otitis media, and gastroenteritis were seen in 15, 11, and 7 children respectively. Genital candidiasis remains a significant problem with the girls (18 cases). Seven children were referred to the optometry clinic as the result of our visual screening (eye charts) of all of the children over five years of age. Scabies was seen in 11 children, a decrease in the incidence of this wretched disease. Only one case was severe.

An old patient of mine, Johann, a 10-year-old with cerebral palsy, had lost his ability to walk following orthopedic surgery in Jan. 2003. When we last saw him during our visit in March, 2003, he could not even stand. He is now miraculously walking! I don`t have a good medical explanation for this, and he had received no physical therapy following his surgery, and nothing more had been medically done for him.

Numerous other diagnoses were infrequently made, one of the most interesting being one case of paroxysmal vertigo. Eleven children were diagnosed as “normal”. It is very rewarding to see a continued elevation of the health status of the children of Bongo, as the results of our efforts and the efforts of the North Carolina group.I also have the joy of watching many of these children grow up. Of all of the rewards that I have ever received in my life, the gratitude and love of these children and their families is certainly one of the greatest.

General Medicine (Adults): La Doctora Tatiana
I saw approximately 150 adult patients in 4 ½ days of clinics, 70% female patients, and 30% male patients. Urinary Tract infection was seen in about 80 % of the sexually active women. In addition other female problems encountered were a high incidence of vaginal candidiasis and five cases of pelvic inflammatory disease. I performed five PAP smears, and had many requests for contraception, which unfortunately we cannot yet provide. (Director`s note: Tatiana has been a great help in addressing the specific health needs of the women in this area.).

Arthritis and arthralgias of some form are present in about 60% of the adult population. There were five women with the visible deformities of rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis is very common. There were four new cases of diabetes mellitus, type 2, and oral diabetic medication was initiated. Three cases of hypothyroidism were seen. Hypertension is very common, despite the active life style, and the fact that there is very little obesity. Scabies had increased among the adult patients compared to previous visits, and numerous cases of fungus infections, including tinea, were common. Tinea versicolores as well as one case of basilar cell carcinoma were seen.

Gastrointestinal problems were common, including chronic gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, probable duodenal ulcer, and diarrheal as well as colecystitis syndromes. As usual, there were numerous viral URI’s.

I really enjoyed seeing my old patients from previous visits to Bongo. I will also comment that this was an especially good team, well organized, friendly, and attentive to each others needs, and as well as to the needs of the Bongo people. I send warmest regards to all of the team members, and I thank you for allowing me to participate in your noble cause.

Optometry Report: Dr. Brad
In 4 ½ days, we examined approximately 180 patients. This was accomplished by one optometrist, and a support staff for translation, history taking, visual acuities, and eyeglass selection. None of our staff had been formally trained as opticians or in optometry, yet they functioned incredibly well as we served these needy people.

“Dr. Brad” hard at work

Approximately 160 patients needed glasses to improve their visual function. Several patients were in great need of cataract surgery, a few of which were functionally blind because of advanced cataracts. Forty patients had an external condition of the eye called pterygium. Pterygium is a growth which forms on the conjunctiva (including the blood vessels covering the eyeball), and it may grow into the cornea. These patients complain of redness and discomfort, and they may have blurry vision. Surgery would resolve these complaints in most cases, but as in the case of cataracts, it is not available to these poor people. Only 2 patients were found to have glaucoma, although in a traditional office setting it is more likely that we would have picked up more cases of glaucoma because of the ability to run specialized tests.

In the pediatric population, we detected 2 cases of amblyopia, and several cases of symptomatic myopia and hyperopia. Also 2 cases of pseudo-esotropia (the appear- ance of turning in of an eye, when in fact it does not) were detected, and the mothers were reassured. I saw one infant with probable fetal alcohol syndrome who had severe developmental delay and probable cortical blindness.

God has provided his abundant protection and blessings during this week. We felt his presence at all times and in every situation encountered during this mission.

(Director's note: The addition of this optometry service to our annual Bongo visit has been one of the most important single things that we have done to elevate the quality of life of the people in this area. This eye care program is an example of mission medicine at its best.)

Words from Pastor Dave:
“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of Heaven like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them. Mark:10, 15-16.

The children were the most engaging: big eyes, wide smiles, and a joy to have with us. The older children, overcome with curiosity, looked in the windows, peaked around doors, as ingratiating a group as could be imagined. All were dressed in their best, and the tiny babies were particularly captivating. There were older folks as well, sitting in line in our narrow hallway after the initial processing done on the front porch, or waiting with lots of children moving in and out or staring big-eyed from their mother`s laps, except for those nursing as they waited. As we prepared them for their visits with the doctors, we began to imagine ourselves fulfilling the Master's admonition to minister to “the least of these.” As we returned that evening to Volcan and were looking forward to a recuperative evening before tomorrow's assignments, we were confident that God's Grace would be with us all of the way.

Rufus Jennings, MD
18468 Deep Passage Ln.
Ft. Meyers Beach, FL 33931
Tel (239) 415-8399
E-mail: jpedscard@aol.com

Hundreds of children and their parents converged on a rural clinic near Cap Haitien in January to receive food supplements designed for malnourished toddlers. The clinic is at Tovar, a village near the north coast of Haiti. It was the third event sponsored specifically for these children by The Haiti Mission, a volunteer group of medical professionals from North Carolina. Compatible Technology International supplied the project with food processing technology and training.

The food supplement, called RUTF in the medical literature, looks and tastes like sweet peanut butter. Haitian workers bought over 800 pounds of peanuts, dried milk, sugar, and vegetable oil in the Cap Haitien market and processed them into three different formulations designed by pediatricians for children at various stages of malnutrition. Mothers of 150 children received cups of the peanut-based product sufficient for two weeks. In contrast to milk-like formulas, RUTF does not require mixing with clean water, and can be stored safely at room temperature. Fifty children with edema (swelling) received two other formulations that do not contain peanuts. They will switch to the RUTF later. Mothers and children will return to the clinic every two weeks for examinations and more supplements. The Tovar clinic is currently treating over 200 malnourished children and keeps medical charts on them so that gains in height, weight, and other measures attributable to the therapeutic foods can be evaluated.

Compatible Technology International provided the devices and training needed to prepare the food supplement as part of its Therapeutic Toddler Food (TTF) program. Haitian women roasted peanuts using both the CTI solar oven and traditional large kettles over charcoal fires. After blending the roasted peanuts and other ingredients, workers used the CTI Omega VI grinder to produce a creamy paste. While on-site, a CTI volunteer completed construction of two more solar ovens to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel. The technologies, developed by CTI volunteers, do not require electrical power.

Dr. Patricia Wolff, a long-time volunteer at the Haiti Mission and other projects around the world, leads the Tovar malnutrition project. She obtained Rotary funding to add this care to other services provided at the clinic. Dr. Wolff and her colleagues at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have been evaluating the effectiveness of RUTF in alleviating malnutrition in Africa.

The clinic at Tovar is one of two established by The Haiti Mission; the other is at Latannerie, also near Cap Haitien. Each clinic has a full-time Haitian health care worker and is visited three weeks each year by a team of medical volunteers from the U.S. A typical team consists of doctors, a dentist, nurses, and support persons. Haitian translators and drivers are employed to support the medical team. A small group of Haitian women now produce the three different therapeutic foods. The Haiti Mission has been operating for about 20 years.

CTI’s TTF program leader, Don Moran, plans a second malnutrition project in Bangladesh this November using lessons learned in Haiti. That project will supply equipment and training to three rural clinics sponsored by the respected LAMB hospital in Dhaka. CTI volunteers Nancy and Steve Laible, who lead “Friends of LAMB”, another Twin Cities charity, will lead that project.

Alice & Bill White
Providence UMC, Charlotte, NC
Tel (804) 695-2803
Fax (804) 695-0463

Healing Hands is a VIM team of medical professionals from West MI Conf. They have answered the call to serve the people in the Savanna outside of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, to incredible rains, it is only safe to go into the region in February/March.

Knoksa (Hello in Miskito), Greetings from the North Atlantic coast of Nicaragua:

We had a challenging but wonderful trip. We are home safely and a real shower and soft comfy bed with no critters to worry about. During our week of clinics we saw 1500 people in the villages of Lapan, Sinkapin, Ulu, Wawa boom and Botania.were that every person had worms, so we treated each of them for it, and saw firsthand the long-term effects of them. In Botonia, the children were so undernourished, they didn't play, they were so listless.also had multicolored hair that was brittle and of course the big bellies. It was a shame that they were the last community and we were out of everything but the meds. The homes are all built on stilts, many with thatched. We had thoughtwas due to flooding, but it is just the custom of that area.our surprise, a common complaint we heard was "he was fine until he fell out of the house."The toddlers commonly fall out of the houses.

We saw God at work in so many ways.with a team member forgettingpassport and going in the opposite direction on snowy roads, and making the plane because the plane had been delayed.were kept safe on unsafe roads and during challenging travel conditions.main vehicle was a truck from Russia that was leftthe revolution that started with a hand crank.was an open MASH type. They loaded the front half with all our stuff, 24 water bottles, food, etc. and then had three boards across the back half that we sat on for five hoursMonday as we went out to the furthest community.roads were so rough at times that we bounced off the boards into the air.also had to stop and put more water in the radiator every 45 minutes or so.had a day of extreme rainfall; the next day it was determined we could not go to the planned community, so as we crossed the river on a barge the people begged us to stop and conduct a clinic there.30 minutes we had a clinic up and running and saw almost 100 people.God knew the plan better then we did. In addition to medications we also offer Christ.people came to know the Lord during the clinics, many had not had the gospel ever presented to them.'s team will go back into the area next week to follow up with these people and begin developing Assemblies Churches.last day weto a man who had a large open wound on his leg.took him to the hospital and they will have to do a skin graft this week.They felt he was only a few weeks from losing his leg all together.is Good.

In spite of tremendous needs, the people have a wonderful spirit that encouraged us each day as we set up tents in the dark, and loaded the truck for the umpteenth time.work Dr. Mirtila is doing is incredible.continues to go into areas that even local Nicaraguan's are not willing to go into. She has a need for a vehicle; if you know of any resources that can be used to help her in her work, please let me know.We are returning June 19-27th for a construction/medical trip, and again November 6-16th, and will return to the Atlantic coast next February.

If you would like more information on the work Healing Hands is doing in Nicaragua, please contact: Teresa Miller 517-699-4116 or rbkids@acd.net. Isobay (good-bye).

(This is an excerpt from a longer article about
a medical/construction team in Angola earlier this year - Ed.)

Today it is Thursday, the 4th of March, 2004. The day has started out humid, overcast and with no breeze. It is hot and sticky - the same as each day before; and it will turn out to be the same as each day to come. We are only 8 degrees off the equator - the weather is very predictable.

A small burn victim
Before our arrival in Luanda there was an accident in one of the refugee camp sectors of the city. A child had picked up a bucket next to a fuel tanker truck and walked away with it. The bucket was full of gasoline and it had a hole in it.

As the child walked away, his path was marked by a trail of fuel. He got too close to a fire and the trail ignited. The fire went back to the tanker and the truck exploded. Because of the density of the village, hundreds, if not thousands of shack homes went up in flames. By the time the firestorm was extinguished, 23 people were dead and hundreds were injured.

Some of our medical team worked in the burn hospital. This isn’t the medical work that we were expecting to do on this trip, but the people of Angola were so traumatized by this incident, that bringing relief to the burn hospital had become a high priority to them. We complied with their wishes, and so our medical personnel spent several days in the burn hospital. One of our members counted 20 occupied beds in the infant ward. Someone heard that there were still about 15 in the ICU. Most of the accident victims have actually returned home, but have to come back to the hospital each day for their bandages to be changed. One of the team members worked on a 4-year-old child who came in with her left arm completely bandaged. When the bandaging was removed, it was seen that the entire left arm was burned, and that the fingers were burned off.

The same team member also helped with a 25-year-old man who was brought in with the inside of his legs burned. The fire had melted the fabric of his clothing into the wounds and none of this had been removed in the one week following the accident. Our nurse aided in the removal of the fabric and burned tissue from the ankle to the groin. This was done with scissors and a dull scalpel - and NO anesthesia. The man’s screams could be heard throughout the hospital. Unfortunately he never passed out from the pain. Through the afternoon and evening our nurse volunteer was haunted by this and other sights. There is no morphine…..or any other anesthesia available to anyone.

Several members of the team were deeply affected by this trauma. Many of the medical volunteers also became enamored by a little girl whose burns required her to be bandaged from head-to-toe. We were told that there was little hope of her survival. She died two days before we left Angola. But included in their experiences was another team member who spent the day in the children’s ward holding young children and making balloon animals to smiles and sounds of laughter. It is never for us to actually know “why” we are called to a task, or to whom we are ministering, or being ministered by. All of this is part of the greater plan by God. Certainly it was important to aid in the attention given to the dressing of burn wounds, and it was oh, so immensely important to bring laughter and smiles to hurt children through the antics of funny balloon animals. The medical volunteers were well received by the exhausted hospital staff.

We were able to revisit the village of Porto Quipiri where we had conducted a rural clinic last year. I accompanied our nurse volunteer as she made the rounds from hut to hut checking on people reported to have malaria. At one hut we came upon a woman sitting quietly in a corner. She had no expression on her face. She made no movement of acknowledgement of our presence. This woman had had a stroke. Her face has been left without the ability to make an expression. Her entire left side is paralyzed. Her speech is slurred and sporadic. A stroke is not an uncommon thing - except that this woman is only 19 years old.

Her 2-year old daughter watched us from the security of a sheet hung to form a front door. This 19-year-old mother had a stroke while carrying her second pregnancy. That birth was aborted. Now she doesn’t even recognize her little girl. She also has malaria. I stood by her side while our nurse informed the family that this young woman would never recover. I walked from the hut in tears.

J. P. McGuire
UMVIM Coordinator, California-Nevada Annual Conference
P.O. Box 980250, West Sacramento, CA 95798
Tel (916) 374-1582
E-mail: umvim@calnevumc.org
Web: www.cnumc.org

In late February our mission team from Flowery Branch UMC in northern Georgia set out for El Salvador. We had 2 doctors, 4 nurses, a pharmacist, a pastor and 4 support people. We had planned our trip to include medical missions and Bible school, but we had yet to see what God had in store for us.

When we boarded the plane for El Salvador, we had not received final clearance from the Ministry of Health to hold our medical clinic and we were unsure if all of our medicines and supplies would clear customs. We set out in faith and watched as God honored our prayers. We breezed through customs without one of our suitcases being opened and were able to hold our clinics with the aid of the local El Salvador physicians.

We were met at the airport by the Oasis church and began our mission. We traveled to the city of Santa Ana where the church people welcomed us. The outpouring of love from these brothers and sisters in Christ was overwhelming. The church people worked with us every step of the trip and were truly an inspiration to each member of our team. The church people set up each clinic and worked alongside our team to minister to each patient’s physical and spiritual needs.

In order for us to hold our medical clinic, we had to work through the local doctors. The church had 10 doctors and they took turns working with our team to see patients. We traveled to an extremely impoverished rural area where transporting goods was still done with donkeys and carts. I could not believe that we would hold a clinic in this 10 X 20 building surrounded by a cow pasture. The church went into action and set up exam rooms while the national army arrived with a massive tent for us to use. The sight of these army soldiers with rifles strapped across their chests putting up our tent was not what we were expecting. God does work in mysterious ways.

We set up clinic in three different locations on four separate afternoons. We were able to see 750 patients and fill 2200 prescriptions. We provided an infinite number of antibiotics, vitamins, and parasite treatments. We encountered numerous respiratory problems and provided many nebulizer treatments. One of our surgeons was able to remove a small tumor from a man’s arm and we were able to lance several sebaceous cysts. We all worked hard and loved the challenge of serving God in a new and foreign atmosphere.

After each patient had seen the doctor, a special prayer team ministered to each person and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. During our 4 clinics, over 80 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. That of course was the optimal medicine that we were able to offer.

This was truly the most spiritual mission trip I have ever taken. God is alive and well in El Salvador, but the people remain very poor and the medical needs are great. Anyone interested in helping, please contact Allison Borchert at aborchert@earthlink.net or 770-967-6892.

The Beginning
In July 2003 I was presented with an exciting opportunity to join a 10-person UMVIM medical team returning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in August 2003 led by my close friend, Dr. James Shaw.

The Southern Congo Methodist Bishop had recently requested educational volunteer assistance in organizing a community HIV/AIDS pilot train-the-trainer program for seminary students, pastors, church women leaders, teachers and other community leaders. Having recently worked in Cameroon with an HIV/AIDS peer education program, this was an excellent opportunity to apply my skills and expand my knowledge in international social work in reproductive health.

Over the next four weeks, I focused on the task of loading my two assigned 50-pound plastic containers with culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV/AIDS and reproductive health curriculum teaching materials and visual aids and donated condoms from Planned Parenthood of Western Washington.

My educational objective was to arrive in the DRC with appropriate training tools both to train church and community HIV/AIDS leaders and to help them construct a small educational training kit with current reproductive health information and visual aids.

The HIV/AIDS Problem in the DRC
HIV/AIDS continues unabated in much of the DRC. HIV/AIDS statistics in the DRC are difficult to measure due to the recent conflict in the North but clearly the following statistics show that the AIDS pandemic is growing.

* 1,300,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS in the DRC
* 4.9% of population living with HIV/AIDS in DRC
* 120,000 AIDS Deaths in 2000 in the DRC

The Methodist Southern Congo Conference has recognized the important role the church can play in the fight against AIDS. They have taken up the AIDS health challenge by using their influence and financial and personnel resources in promoting HIV/AIDS prevention, detection, and treatment. Our Southern Congo medical team subsequently addressed prevention by offering HIV/AIDS train-the-trainer workshops. They addressed detection by bringing new microscopes to help improve medical laboratory skills, and they addressed essential palliative AIDS treatment through dialogue with medical personnel. These small beginnings can be seeds for change to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the DRC.

Train-the-Trainer Methodology
I was fortunate to work with Janice Hayes, both a seasoned UMVIM educator and retired elementary school principal, in organizing and delivering the pilot train-the-trainer HIV/AIDS education program. Before beginning our two train-the-trainer sessions in Lubumbashi and Mulungwishi, the Southern Congo Methodist Conference identified a respected female church and community leader, Pastor Mutombo, as the coordinator for their newly-structured HIV/AIDS and reproductive health project. She became our indispensable cultural guide and interpreter. With her early assistance we reviewed and revamped our educational methodology and curriculum to be culturally sensitive, recruited a balance of men and women participant trainers and organized convenient training session times.

The core piece of our curriculum utilized publications and visuals from Family Care International and was based on the comprehensive, women-centered approach to reproductive health which has been endorsed by almost every country in the world at the U. N. Conferences over the past decade. Also, Uganda provides a model of hope for the DRC. The incidence of HIV in Uganda was reduced from over 20% to a current rate of 6%. Clearly, their success in fighting the pandemic has been aided by Uganda President Musevenina and other governmental, business, religious and community leaders behind a well-coordinated educational and promotional campaign that emphasized abstinence, being faithful, and condom use. The curriculum from Family Care International presented an African perspective in Swahili and French covering human reproduction, early pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS transmission, unwanted sex, and unsafe abortion. Trainers were also encouraged to stress the ABC methods promoted in Uganda---abstinence, being faithful, and condom use. Sharing cultural stories orally and through pictures, role playing, and active dialogue helped diminish cultural barriers when talking about sexuality.

Educational Outcomes
The UMVIM team trained approximately 60 church and community leaders during these initial train-the-trainer workshops in two locations: Lubumbashi and Mulungwishi.

The UMVIM team provided each workshop participant with a small educational training kit including - current HIV/AIDS statistics in Africa and the DRC, an HIV/AIDS and reproductive health information booklet in French, a French flip-chart on HIV/AIDS for training others, information on low-literacy HIV/AIDS educational posters, and constructed puppets to use in HIV/AIDS role plays.

The UMVIM team observed positive results from both the written publications and educational videos produced by Family Care International.

The UMVIM team helped train the new Southern Congo Conference HIV/AIDS coordinator, Pastor Mutombo, and supplied her with a library of HIV/AIDS books, art materials and other resources. Also, the UMVIM team allocated $300 to her efforts. This money has been used to purchase addition French videos and curriculum guides to be used in future training in the DRC.

Future HIV/AIDS goals and activities were identified in action statements by the trained participants. These participants recognized the need for HIV/AIDS training, first, with their families, then with youth groups, women’s groups, church groups and community groups.

An unintended outcome of the training was a spontaneously organized church community event in Mulungwishi. The two training sessions were so well received that the students asked and planned a community forum and dialogue with the UMVIM team. Over 120 people attended the evening showing in the church sanctuary of a 60-minute Swahili video on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health. This video showing was followed by an active two-hour dialogue facilitated by Pastor Mutombo and several health leaders. Clearly, the church community in Mulungwishi expressed a need to openly discuss the crisis of HIV/AIDS and action steps they could take personally and collectively.

Recommendations to Future UMVIM Medical Teams
Hopefully, future UMVIM medical teams to the Southern Congo Conference can build on the small seeds planted by the UMVIM 2003 Team, to further HIV/AIDS and reproductive health education and training of church and community leaders. Additional funding will be necessary to adequately provide the DRC with culturally and linguistically appropriate training materials and visual aids that create a quality AIDS prevention program. Also, additional conference staff training is essential in developing a sustainable and effective HIV/AIDS educational service delivery system that is accountable with educational outcome measures. UMVIM Medical Teams also have the responsibility to examine international development policy and choose culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention, detection, and treatment in concert with DRC leaders.

By Susan Reba McIntyre, Ph.D.
1224 East Newton Street, Seattle, WA 98102
Tel (206) 568-0911
E-mail: srmcintyre@comcast.net

Submitted upon request from UMVIM , SEJ by:
Elizabeth M. Placek
Medical Team Scholarship Award Winner
Winston Salem, NC
E-mail: liz_placek@hotmail.com

My rotation in Honduras was one of the most valuable experiences of my medical education. After taking four different planes, 19 people comprised of one physician, two dentists, two family practice residents, two medical students, one physician’s assistant, nine nurses, one physical therapist, and one pharmacist arrived in Trujillo, Honduras.

On Sunday morning we arrived at the Whispering Hope clinic in Trujillo, which was about a 35-minute bus ride form the hotel. The clinic is only operating for 2 weeks every 6 months, so there was much work to be done in order to get ready for the first day of clinic. There were three exam rooms; each had a bed and a long wooden countertop. We designated one exam room for OB\GYN and this room contained a microscope. The other two rooms were procedure rooms and contained suture material, gauze, hydrogen peroxide and other supplies. The lab had the capacity to check hemoglobin and perform urine analysis. There was no running water, and electricity would come and go.

The Whispering Hope clinic is located a half-day’s walk or less from 13 of the surrounding villages that it serves. Each day the clinic serves a different village and the mayor comes to ensure that the people are from his village. The staff of the clinic included the group of volunteers from the missionary health services along with many local people who volunteered to translate and assist in all departments. A typical day included arriving at the clinic by 7:30 A.M.

Upon arrival there would be many people waiting, lined up outside the clinic. In groups of 25, people were escorted into the front room of the building to a classroom which provided an educational component, addressing the importance of hygiene and dental care. Next, entire families were directed to triage and then to the doctor. We saw about 250 people per day. We left after everyone was seen.

What I found to be most interesting was the cultural dynamics of family in Honduras. Mostly we saw women and children. The concept of marriage is much more casual in Honduras and therefore some of our time was spent on family counseling and explaining the hazards of sexually transmitted diseases.

Skin infections were rampant, and many were plagued with parasites. Overall the children were unbelievably stoic when any procedure was necessary. One 4-year-old boy who severely burned his leg sat perfectly still and hardly shed a tear while we used peroxide and carefully debrided his wound. Some people were more seriously ill and required immediate attention at the local hospital - a 2-months-old who looked septic with a fever of 103 - a man with a tumor in his left knee the size of softball - another woman with osteomylitis of her calcaneous that had progressed to the point of exposing most of her anklebone.

Overall, however most were seeking vitamins, parasite medication, toothbrushes and reassurance for common concerns. My Spanish improved along with my ability to effectively work with a translator and manage my time. Firsthand I was reminded of the value of teamwork and the beauty of the human body and the spirit to adapt and cope. I am grateful for this opportunity as it underlines a basic tenet in medicine and in life, which is, all we need is love.

I am honored to be the first recipient of this award. Thank you very much for your support.

Elizabeth M. Placek
Medical Team Scholarship Award Winner
Winston Salem, NC
E-mail: liz_placek@hotmail.com

Quilalí is a small village in the state of Nueva Segovia, high in the mountains of Nicaragua near the Honduran border.Volunteer in Mission group returned for the fourth time in November of 2003.One of our major goals was to establish friendships with the Nicaraguans, for mutual blessings and also to learn what they want and need from our friendship.

The small hospital in Quilalí has recently undergone some major remodeling through efforts of the national Ministry of Health and Doctors Without Borders.Dennis Chavarria is the young physician administrator who has become a friend and our main source of guidance. He had for some time asked for a laparoscope and training review for the hospital surgeon who hadn't used one since he came to Quilalí.Dennis also schedules clinics for us to assist the local doctors and nurses in outlying areas.We bring the usual mountain of medications and the Nicas evaluate the patients and prescribe the drugs as needed.

So last November fifteen West Michiganders set out in two teams, one to hold clinics and the other consisting of two surgeons, three OR nurses, a nurse anesthetist and a translator. And most important of all, through donations we took a full laparoscopic tool. Imagine the weight of the monitor!

It arrived safely and intact, then came the challenge of ferrying it up the mountain roads, rutted and treacherous after the rainy season.But it was installed and tinkered by the skillful team until it was in fine working order.Several cholecystectomies and tubal ligations were done cooperatively, in a small OR crowded with Nicaraguans and North Americans. There was mutual teaching, sharing, laughter, and the thrill of successful outcomes.

During our ten days in Quilalí the gala dedication of the beautiful new hospital buildings was scheduled, and the Nicaraguan Minister of Health came as honored guest.We wereto be able to meet him and we were humbled to receive his thanks. It was revealed that Quilalí now has the only laparoscope in Nicaragua outside the capital city.

We anticipate returning to our beloved second home in October 2004, with a construction team and medical team. Most of all we give glory to God for the relationships we are building in Jesus' name.

Submitted by Karen Small, CNM18775 Moorepark Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093, Tel (269) 279-9616, E-mail: karesmall@msn.com. Group leaders: Kim and Ron Applebey, (269) 273-8313.

The UMVIM, SEJ Medical Fellowship is seeking applicants from within the SEJ for a partial scholarship to be applied to participation in an UMVIM medical team in 2004.

The purpose of awarding this scholarship is to broaden scope of medical team ministries, increase number of individual participants and active teams, widen number of medical specialties and medical services offered and assist students and residents in health care fields who are financially disadvantaged.

Selection of scholarship recipients will center on the needs of individual participants.

For more information and an application form, contact the chair of the Scholarship Award Committee: Ms. Jerre Boren, 108 Dillon Ave., Elkin, NC 28621-3011.

Needed: Five team members to go to Cuba for eleven days during the last two weeks of October 2004. The cost for the eleven-day trip is projected to be $1950, all inclusive from Atlanta, GA. Consideration to future Cuba team leaders will be a priority. Please contact the UMVIM SEJ office for an application.

Rev. Nick Elliott
Director, UMVIM, SEJ
315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 750, Decatur, GA 30030
Tel 404-377-7424
Fax 404-377-8182
E-mail: Nick_Elliott@umvim.org
Web: www.UMVIM.org

Phil Plunk has a new update on his work in Guatemala. Click on www.saludypaz.org and see what marvelous work he and Jo Ann are doing.

Global Missions Health Conference
Main Conference November 12 - 13, 2004
Pre-Conference November 11, 2004
Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Kentucky

Now in its eighth year, this is now the largest conference of its kind in the world. This year's conference features more than 80 speakers, including career missionaries from Ethiopia, Gabon and Haiti. Featured speakers include David Stevens, Executive Director of the Christian Medical and Dental Association, and Tokunboh Adeyemo, PhD, ThD, General Secretary Emeritus of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa and Executive Director of the Center for Biblical Transformation. More than a hundred Exhibitors will be on site from missions and health organizations around the world, making the Global Missions Health Conference an excellent networking opportunity for medical professionals looking for God's direction in their careers. Every year more than 1,300 medical professionals, including more than 300 students, attend the Global Missions Health Conference. For further information see http://www.medicalmissions.com/

Community Partners Association (COPA), an ecumenical health and education organization in the Dominican Republic, is looking for a nurse advisor beginning in June. COPA will pay round trip airfare with a two-year term. A $450 monthly stipend is provided along with housing and utilities.

The volunteer is needed to begin in May for cross training. Spanish would be a plus but is not required .

Messiah UMC, Springfield, Virginia, is sending a medical team to LaCeibita, Honduras from June 19 - 28. We have need of a doctor, preferably, a family practice physician. For details, I can be reached at DeniseLaux@AOL.COM or 703/978-6106.

United Methodist Volunteers In Mission, SEJ (UMVIM) will host the “Summons for Service,” the 25th annual UMVIM Rally at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, June 30-July 3. Volunteers can explore how their passion to serve God can intersect with the needs of people around the world.

Of particular interest to medical volunteers will be two keynote addresses by Dr. Dan Fountain, King College, Bristol, Tennessee, former medical missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 35 years, and a workshop on Medical Mission in West Africa, led by Dr. Dennis Marke, Director of the Kissy Health Clinic, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Three expanded workshop tracks will be offered including: For All the Right Reasons - an in-depth series of workshops examining why God would have us be in mission (sponsored by the Conference Secretaries of Global Ministries); Team Leader Training - expanded workshops led by experienced UMVIM team leaders and staff on topics essential to effective team service. (A certificate of completion will be awarded.) Medical Mission - medical personnel and friends of medical mission can gain help in preparing for the unique circumstances of medical mission (sponsored by the UMVIM, SEJ Medical Fellowship).

Participants will also go Cruisin’ through the Caribbean on Thursday afternoon, when they will visit several ports of call for mission in the Caribbean crescent and beyond. International leaders and guests will take participants on a guided tour of opportunities to share in mission service in a variety of locations.

Summons for Service is a family friendly event. Children, age 5-12, will be included with their own YUMVIM event (Young United Methodist Volunteers In Mission), a delightful time of learning and fun with a focus on mission activities for children.

The opening plenary session of the Summons for Service will be held Wednesday afternoon, June 30, 2004 at 1:30 PM. The event will conclude with the Communion and Sending Forth service on Saturday morning, July 3.

Speakers and leaders include: Bible study: Rev. Jonathan Holston, Superintendent of the Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District, the North Georgia Conference; Keynote speaker: Rev. George Mulrain, President, The Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas; Medical keynote speaker: Dr. Dan Fountain, King College, Bristol, Tennessee, former medical missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 35 years; Featured Preacher: Bishop Robert E. Fannin, of the North Alabama Conference, and Council of Bishops Representative, UMVIM, SEJ; Music and worship leader: Cullen Davidson, Fairhope United Methodist Church, Fairhope, Alabama.

A registration form and more information are available from UMVIM, SEJ at 404-377-7424 or on the web at www.umvim.org.

The Summons for Service (a.k.a., the UMVIM Rally) is sponsored by: United Methodist Volunteers In Mission, SEJ; the UMVIM, SEJ Medical Fellowship; and the SEJ Conference Secretaries of Global Ministries.

Dear Friends,
We have had the wonderful opportunity to be with Bill and Jerri Savuto, returned missionaries from Kenya, for the past 3 weeks. I have just returned from a site visit to Kenya and these are the needs at the Maua Methodist Hospital. Please get the word out for us.

1. Red Bird Mission - June - December 2004 or 2-3 months in this time frame. Replace the Doctors at the Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky so they can serve at the Maua Methodist Hospital in Kenya. Housing and schooling for children available at Red Bird Mission.

2. Maua Methodist Hospital - Kenya - any dates for two weeks up to 1 year. Help in a 250-bed hospital in rural Kenya with only 5 permanent physicians. Housing available.

If interested call: Jerri or Bill Savuto - Tel (972) 618-3664; E-mail: jbsavuto@yahoo.com.

Wanted:Dentist to help set up dental room in charity clinic.Location:Bonitillo, a neighborhood of LaCeiba, Honduras.The clinic has a basic health care provider, a pharmacy that is kept stocked and a room reserved for dental work.Currently, there is a dental chair and a water sterilizer.We have or can get resources to obtain equipment and routine supplies.What we lack is someone who speaks "dental."We have even identified a dental supply house in Honduras.Honduran dentists can be hired for part-time work, but we need a dentist to consult in the setting up of the dental room.No Spanish required.Experience in poor countries useful but not necessary.Travel expenses are tax deductible for this valuable volunteer work. Contact Juan Simpson (Circuit Superintendent, based in LaCeiba, Honduras), E-mail: jmsimpb@hotmail.com, or Beth Blodgett Tel (503)784-7694, E-mail: bethblodgettnow@yahoo.com.

I am hoping you can help me obtain a general practice type physician for a medical mission to Honduras June 19-28. We will be going to a very small village along the north coast to do basic medical care. have nurses and translators, and we will be giving out eyeglasses, too. Team size is 12-13. We are from Messiah UMC in Springfield, Virginia under the sponsorship of UMC missionaries in Honduras.

I can be reached by e-mail: deniselaux@aol.com, or at (703) 978-6106.
Thanks, Denise Laux, team leader

Medical Mission Trip to South Africa Planned
Partners in Christian Mission, which has conducted 6 missions to Central America in recent years, is now planning a medical mission to South Africa.

Headed by Maria J. (Josefina) Kaller, RN, and Rev. David Kaller, pastor of Faith United Methodist Church, Waukegan, IL, Partners in Christian Mission is now working on an HIV/AIDS teaching project in conjunction with Dr. Ngoyi Bukonda, associate professor of public health at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL.

Dr. Bukonda plans to take a group of graduate and undergraduate students to the University of the North, in Sovenga, South Africa, for a month beginning July 7, 2004. They will be studying the delivery of health care to HIV/AIDS patients in that country.

Dr. Bukonda, a friend of the Kallers, and familiar with their medical missions to Panama and Costa Rica, asked them to recruit a team of volunteers to go with the university group to teach HIV prevention. The Kallers plan to go for two weeks, July 8-22, 2004. The cost will be $2,500. Some details of the mission are still being worked out, such as exactly where and under what conditions the group will be working. Nevertheless, they are engaged in recruiting a team of medical professions now and already have two physicians, two RN’s and a social worker who works with HIV/AIDS.

I am a missionary Dr. working in two charity clinics in the border El Paso Juarez. The clinics are located in very impoverished areas, one is in the landfill of the city dump of Juarez and the other one is located in the Anapra area. We have two sad cases of brain tumors and we desperately are looking for specialized help. One is a 5-year-old child and the other an 8-year-old child. Here the local Drs. only can only offer palliative care by relieving the intracranial pressure. Please join us in our prayers and help us to spread the cry of this two children that are only depending on the infinite mercy of God and the divine providence.

Receive my Easter Blessings and the peace of Christ.
San Juana M. Bruce
Home tel (915) 587-62-50
Cell (915) 433-5718

This list, and the next two - Future Medical Teams and Sources of Medical Supplies - are compiled by the UMVIM, SEJ. Additions, deletions or changes should be sent to: Nick Elliott, UMVIM, SEJ, 315 West Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 750, Decatur, GA 30030; Tel 404/377-7424, Fax 404/377-8182, E- mail: nick_elliott@umvim.org.

Regulations regarding medical work vary from one country to another. In most cases, professional credentials must be sent to the host country well in advance. Contact the coordinator listed for further details. - Editor

GHANA
Kumasi: Ankaase Methodist Faith Healing hospital has continued to grow in numbers of patients and staff since 1999. It is now recognized as the Kwabre District Hospital and has been awarded by the Ghana Ministry of Health for its performance and quality of care for the whole person. Medical volunteers are welcome. Contact: Doctor Cameron R Gongwer , Kumasi Ghana
gongwer@africaonline.com.gh

KENYA
Maua: Maua Methodist Hospital is requesting a volunteer physician for a period of 2-6 months for diagnosis and treatment of medical patients. Need doctors to do eye, gynecological, orthopedic and other surgeries. Living accommodations & a small stipend provided. Shorter terms are available for specialists such as orthopedists, plastic surgeons, and gynecologists. Contact: Maua Methodist Hospital, PO Box 63 Maua Meru North Kenya 011-254-167-21107: 011-254-167-21121 mckhosp@africaonline.co.ke

KIANDEGWA HEALTH CLINIC: This is a health clinic facility in a mission area in a relatively poor community. It is a community project that aims at providing health care facilities at an affordable rate. It also emphasizes on primary health care, nutrition, clean envionment and basic hygiene.

Mombasa: Coast School for the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation of physically handicapped children at the Coast School for the Physically Handicapped, Mombasa. Contact: Rev. Dr. Stephen Kanyaru M'Impwii Presiding Bishop, The Methodist Church in Kenya, St. Andrews Lane, Off State House Road, P.O. Box 47633, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya; 011-254-2724841 or 272-4897: 011-228-272-3812 mck-conf@nbnet.co.ke

Mombasa: Lighthouse for Christ Mission and Eye Centre
has openings for full time Medical Director, ophthalmologists, optometrists and health personnel for clinical surgery center. Teachers for Bible Institute. Contact: Lighthouse For Christ Mission and Eye Centre, PO Box 81465 Mombasa Kenya; http://lighthouseforchrist.org/

LIBERIA
Medical facilities Medical facilities need extensive renovation, medical supplies, volunteers. Contact: Bishop John Innis, P. O. Box 10-1010, (DHL Delivery - Tubman at 13th St., Monrovia, Liberia), 1000 Monrovia Liberia ;011-231-227-154: 011-231-227-516;Bishopinnis@hotmail.comor Liberiaumc@yahoo.com

MOZAMBIQUE
Chicuque Rural Hospital Most importantly, need a general surgeon. Also ophthalmologists, dentists, surgeons, medical lab techs, pharmacists, nurses. Contact: Jeremias Franca , Chicuque Hospital for Chicuque Hospital Projects contact: Hospital Administrator, Jeremias ;hrchicuque@teledata.mz

NIGERIA
Hillcrest School: Hillcrest School , School nurse, 2-3 years.
Rural Health program hospital administrator, 1 year. medical doctor, 1 year. Contact: Walt and Betty Whitehurst (800) 729-9136 (Access code 02) indvol@aol.com

SIERRA LEONE
Kissy: The UMC Health Maternity Center needs help refurbishing their facilities, and to install the Dental Unit, and they need Physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel. Contact: Rev. Joe Wagner US contact person (Operation Classroom), P. O. Box 277 Colfax IN 46035 ; 765-324-2556
ocmission@compuserve.comor ocmission@accs.net

Kissy: Kissy UMC Eye Hospital needs ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses with optical training. Contact: Dr. Lowell A. Gess , UMC , 111 15th Ave. E. Alexandria MN 56308 ; 320 762 1888; gessla@rea-alp.com

SOUTH AFRICA
UMTATA, Transkei: African Medical Mission Umtata General Hospital needs orthopaedic and physical therapy educators. Contact: Cheryl Anders ; (828) 696-9930 ; amm@brinet.com Worcester: The South African based Volunteer Africa project seeks volunteers with nursing, dental, and primary health care skills to work with mobile health clinics, homes for children with HIV/AIDS, homes for destitute single mothers, the aged, and in small local clinics. Hospitals also receive volunteers who are prepared to assist nurses and doctors. Medical students are welcome. Contact: Gisela Hugo, PO Box 250 Worcester, 6849 South Africa, 011-27-023-347-7588 ivza@intekom.co.za

SWAZILAND Coordinator for HIV/AIDS program In addition to co-ordinating this program, volunteer will work with primary schools and promotion of volunteer opportunities. 6 month to 3 year position. Contact: Walt and Betty Whitehurst; (800) 729-9136 (Access code 02) ;indvol@aol.com

CAMBODIA/LAOS/THAILAND/VIETNAM
Indo-Thai Limited offers assistance to medical teams in working with governments of these countries for permission to bring in supplies and do medical work, including all travel arrangements. Contact: Larry McCumber , 721 Bentgrass Ct Dacula GA ; 678-985-4311: 678-985-5342
indothai@mindspring.com

INDIA
BAREILLY: Clara Swain Hospital physical therapists. Contact: Walt and Betty Whitehurst ; (800) 729-9136 (Access code 02) indvol@aol.com

Crawford Memorial Hospital The Methodist Church of India; plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, OBGYN, nurses, public health nurses for 27 locations. Contact: Walt and Betty Whitehurst ; (800) 729-9136 (Access code 02) indvol@aol.com

Vellore: The Christian Medical College in Vellore India receives new & used equipment; the Vellore Board pays shipping costs. Medical volunteers may serve at Vellore Hospital; particular needs for anesthesiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, opthalmologists, and clergy who can serve as CPE trainers. Long-term volunteer terms of 6 months to a year are especially needed. Contact: Philip F. Ansalone, Vellore Christian Medical College Board (USA), Inc. 475 Riverside Dr., Rm. 243, New York NY phil@vellorecmc.org

INDONESIA
MEDAN: Methodist University of Indonesia in Medan Lecturers in medicine invited to teach at the Methodist University of Indonesia in Medan. Contact: Walt and Betty Whitehurst ; (800) 729-9136 (Access code 02) indvol@aol.com

NEPAL; HealtHealth Services Department, United Mission to Nepal ;general practitioners/family physicians, pediatricians, internists, hospital director, psychiatrist, internist, surgeons, tutor/nurse educators, dentists, biomedical maintenance personnel; anesthetist. Contact: Personnel Manager Recruitment, United Mission to Nepal , PO Box 126 Kathmandu, Nepal ; pdo@umn.org.np

CARIBBEAN
HAITI Gebeau: Gebeau T.B. clinic & Eye clinic Gebeau and Despagne Medical Teams Medical and dental teams are always welcome. It would be wonderful if we can have at least one team every quarter. Ear and Dermatologist specialists are especially welcome. Contact: Charles & Patty Maddox UMVIM Coordinators, Methodist Guest House, ;011-509-257-3012: 011-509-401-2596 vimhaiti@hotmail.com

Petionville Community: CURAMERICAS ; Care is provided in the Petionville Community, with emphasis on malnutrition and preventative education and curative healthcare. ;Contact: Gladys Shanklin , Curamericas 919-821-8000 gladys@curamericas.org

Cap Haitien: Tovar Health Clinic a long-term mission of Providence UMC (NC) seeks 3 teams per year of medical professionals to work at existing clinic serving the very poor. Contact: Alice White, RN 9574 Lightview Ln. Gloucester, VA 23061 USA 804-695-2803 awhite@inna.net

Pignon: Christian Mission of PIGNON Individuals and teams for hospital. Needs include General surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, family practicioners, OBGYN, opthlalmogists, bio-med techs, lab techs. Contact: Mrs. Pat Metzelaars , 1024 Ridgewood Cir. Minden, LA 71055 USA 318-371-1698
CMPMETZ@aol.com

Jeremie Eye Clinic seeks opthalmologists and optometrists. Contact: Dr. Hal Crosswell, Columbia Eye Clinic, PO Box 1754, Columbia, SC 29202 USA 800-922-6057: 803-771-7639

JAMAICA
KINGSTON: Renal Foundation ,Requires doctors and nurses to run dialysis units, which are currently under-used due to limited staffing, despite a great need for them. Contact: Rev. Dr. Claude L. Cadogan , 3 Boone Hall Rd., P.O. Box 100, Stony Hill, Kingston, 9 JAMAICA, W.I. 876-942-2554
Methodist clinics Doctors, nurses & dentists to work in Methodist clinics. Certification takes approximately 6 months. Contact: Dr. Margaret Robinson UMVIM Coordinator (Medical), P.O. Box 666 Kingston 8 Jamaica 1-876-926-2311 “District Medical Committee” - jamaicamethodist@cwjamaica.com

PUERTO RICO
Vieques Clinic & Camp Corson need volunteer nurses, doctors, other health professionals. Contact: Rev. Edgardo Jusino UMVIM Coordinator, Iglesia Metodista de Puerto Rico Los Angeles H-25 Calle C Carolina PR 979 (787) 253-0539 edju@coqui.net

ST. VINCENT
Chateaubelair: Hospital at Chateaubelair Medical team and construction teams needed: 1-2 physicians incl. family practitioner, pediatrician or internist; optometrist and dentist. Contact: Dr. James and Linda Fields jpfields@earthlink.net

COSTA RICA
Centro Atención Integral Parálasis Cerebral Guadalupe(a day care center for clients with cerebral palsy and spina bifida)

Patronato Nacional de Rehabilitación Hogar de Rehabilitación in Santa Ana (a residential center for clients who suffer from polio and cerebral palsy). Both are in the San José area. Wesley Campus Ministry sets dates for volunteers according to the number of requests received who are available during a particular period relative to their university schedule; spring break is often the best time for volunteers. Contact: Rev. Thomas R. Modd , Wesley Campus Ministry, 1113 Market St., Galveston TX 77550 USA 409/765-6587 WCMGalv@aol.com

GUATEMALA
Camanchaj ; Urbina: SaludyPaz clinics Clinics in Camanchaj and Urbina. 60-70 patients seen daily for medical and dental. Once a month, eyeglass component is added. Medical laboratory is being added; help required for laboratory. Projects involves setting-up and operating a medical/dental clinic in Urbina, on the edge of Quetzaltenango, in the western highlands of Guatemala, and/or in Coatepeque, in towns or villages near the coast, in the south of Guatemala. People from the surrounding areas will be invited to come to the clinic. Clinic functions will involve teamwork between medical and non-medical personnel from the United States and Guatemala. Contact: Dr. Phil Plunk (Medical Coordinator), Apartado Postal #65 Quetzaltenago, 9001 Guatemala 011-502-217-1985 pplunk@pchtx.comor or pplunk@xela.net.gt

BocaCosta - Medical teams are needed in ‘The Boca Costa de Solola’ area of Southwestern Guatemala. A group of medical clinics, both regularly scheduled and team based, maintained and staffed by Christian missionaries, Jim and Dianne Thompson, serve the Indigenous people of this area. The base clinic, in the village of Paquila, is about 1 ½ hours south of Quezaltenango and about 2 ½ hours west of Guatemala City. The clinics draw from 30 small villages. The population is Indigenous Mayan. The primary language is Quiche although Spanish is also spoken. The area, Boca Costa de Solola, is one of the poorest areas of Guatemala. It has the 3rd highest infant death rate and one of the highest maternal mortality rates. The clinic in Paquila is open every Friday and Saturday. The other clinic locations, about 4 in total, are open when medical teams are present. The critical need is for medical teams. Most teams are one week in duration with a minimum of one doctor and 2-3 support people per doctor. Contact Jim/Dianne Thompson, jodmthompson@hotmail.com

CUREAMERICAS Provides primary health care to 26,000 women and children at risk of death from preventable diseases in the northwest highlands. Works in an area that has never had access to medical care because of geographic & socioeconomic conditions. Is seeking mission trip volunteers to construct a maternal birthing center and operational base. Contact: Gladys Shanklin , Curamericas 919-821-8000 gladys@curamericas.org

LA MOQUITIA Send Hope is a 501c-3 non-profit organization focusing on ministry among the people of the La Moquitia Coast region of eastern Honduras, in particular: 1) short term medical, dental and construction trips; 2) providing food, clothing, school supplies to people; 3) bring children to the United States for medical care; 4) provide training for local pastors; and 5) helping students with their education. Contact: Katrina Engle , Send Hope Puerto Lempira Gracias a Dios Honduras 011-504-898-7552

THE HONDURAS INITIATIVE The Methodist Church in Honduras requests medical (including dental and vision) teams to work with the The United Methodist Mission Church of Honduras. Contact: Rev. Dan and Kathy Wilson-Fey UMVIM Coordinators, The United Methodist Mission Church of Honduras Apartado 30509, Toncontin, Tegucigalpa Honduras, C.A. 011-504-230-2721: 011-504-232-2555 wilsonfey@aol.com

Limon: Carolina Honduras Health Foundation Limon Clinic receives medical teams, health care workers, support/construction teams and individuals year-round. Contact: Dr. Henry W. Gibson , PO Box 528 Barnwell SC 29812

MAMA Project (Mujeres Amigas Miles Apart) welcomes medically oriented medical brigades and people for deworming and vitamin A distribution teams. Long-term volunteers also welcome. Contact: MAMA Project, Inc. , 2781A Geryville Pike Pennsburg PA 18073 mamaproject@enter.net

NICARAGUA
The Rainbow Network - Ciudad Sandino Managua. The Rainbow Network provides medical services (needs especially dentists and ophthalmologists), public health support, housing, education and economic development assistance to their community. Teams may participate in these areas as well. Contact: Peter D. Schaller , Rainbow Network Ciudad Sandino, Zona #6 Managua Nicaragua 011-505-269-7585 arcoiris@ibw.com.ni

Managua: The Methodist Church of Nicaragua Seeks nurse of MD to work with persons in very poor areas of Managua, especially to promote the practice of preventive medicine. Contact: Pastor Elmer A Zavala , Methodist Church of Nicaragua el@ibw.com.ni

PANAMA
Clinics and Water Projects Medical teams are needed for indigenous areas including Potrero Palma/Cieneguita Health Clinic Bongo Health Clinic Guaymi Indian Villages Punta Mani. There is also a need for clean water for these communities. Contact: Rev. Rhett Thompson UMVIM Coordinator, Evangelical Methodist Church of Panama 011-506-618-2633 rhettj@cwpanama.net

ARMENIA
LACHIN AGAPE HOSPITAL - Contact: Steve Taylor , the AGAPE project P.O. Box 10955 Raleigh NC 27605 USA ; 919-832-9560: 1-800-849-4433 staylor@nccumc.org

BOSNIA
Dental team - A Dental team is requested to provide exams and offer basic dental. Hygiene lessons to refugee children and families are needed in the Zenica area. Donations of toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste are requested along with supplies for dental exams. Contact: Carol Van Gorp GBGM Special Projects Coordinator, 70 Loch Muller Rd., P.O. Box 156, Schroon Lake, NY 12870 USA (518) 532-7694: 518 526 0112 carolvangorp@earthlink.net

ESTONIA
Tallinn: Tallinn Children Center lighthouse Dentists are needed in the area. Contact: Peter an Eys, 3701 Hillsboro Road Nashville TN 37215 USA peter@calvaryumc.com

GEORGIA, REPUBLIC OF
Chalovani Village Community Development - UMCOR's Chalovani Village Community Development & Cultural Interaction program needs persons to work in medical services, & public health education.

Tbilisi Youth House & Zugdidi Youth House - A new project is in the works to provide Gender Equity Training with emphasis on AIDS/HIV/STD education for teens in Youth House setting. Individuals with skills in teaching about HIV/AIDS/STD are sought to assist in training local Youth House staff and to assist in development of a curriculum for the youth who will participate. Initially, Youth House students will benefit from the classes and then these youth will be trained as Trainers and go to public schools in their community to provide the same training to their peers. Contact: Carol Van Gorp GBGM Special Projects Coordinator, 70 Loch Muller Rd., P.O. Box 156, Schroon Lake NY 12870 USA ;(518) 532-7694: 518 526 0112 carolvangorp@earthlink.net

UKRAINE
Kiev: Kiev UMC, This newly formed UMC has a ministry with Kiev street children under the guidance of Rev. Helen Lovelace. A medical missionary team is needed to help with these street children, who are in risk of super-resistant tuberculosis, hepatitis and AIDS. They also have extensive dermatological and dental needs. A medical VIM team would be greatly appreciated. Contact: Dr. Beth Lovelace , evalentine@psu.edu

ISRAEL/PALESTINE
Four Homes of Mercy Physical therapists needed. Contact: Bonnie Jones UMVIM Coordinator, 9153 Yarrow St. Westminster CO 90021 303-403-2325 bjg1232@aol.com

MEXICO
Mexico Conference: La Joya & Tlalamac Medical volunteers for clinics Contact: Srita. Claudia Martínez UMVIM Coordinator, Mexico Conference (Conferencia de Mexico) México; 011-52(55)53-64-15-54 camvoluntarios@iglesia-metodista.org.mx

Southeast Conference: The Southeast Conference of Mexico seeks medical teams (nurses, dentists, physicians, surgeons) at multiple sites across the conference, including: Tatoxcac, Puebla: Clinic - Need: medical work teams, all year long. Surgery rooms and dental office, etc. exist for use. High priority. Has surgical and dental space available.

Tochimizolco, Puebla: Clinic - Need: medical work teams, all year long. High Priority. Started 12 years ago, and is receiving only one medical team per year in a very poor community. Most families are women and children with real health needs. Contact: Ms. Priscila Rojas Quintero UMVIM Coordinator, Southeastern Conference (Conferencia Sureste) Calle 4 Pte. #311, Col. Centro, Puebla, 72000 Pue. C.P. México 011-52(222)242-1895: 011-52(222)220-1326 (h)
pris_13@hotmail.com

Alaska
Chugiak: Birchwood Camp needs camp nurse for summer camp programs. Contact: Dave Kobersmith , PO Box 670049 Chugiak AK USA 907-688-2734 birchwd@alaska.net

Wesley Rehabilitation & Care Center needs registered Respiratory Therapist for nursing home residents. Contact: Judith Ann Martin , PO Box 430 Seward AK USA 907-224-5241

Georgia
Murphy-Harpst Children's Centers Therapists to work with emotionally disturbed children/youth, Contact: Vance Voinche , Murphy-Harpst Children's Centers,, 740 Fletcher Street, Cedartown GA 30125 USA (800) 648-1234: (770) 748-1500 contact@murphyharpst.org

Kentucky
Mt. Vernon: Christian Appalachian Project Volunteer Program needs volunteer nurses for summer camp (2 overnight camps and 1 day camp). Contact: Volunteer coordinator, Route 6, Box 43 Mt. Vernon KY 40456 USA 800-755-5322 volunteer@chrisapp.org

Red Bird Clinic can use volunteer physicians, nurses, lab technicians, dentists, dental hygienist, mental health counselors and substance abuse counselors willing to become licensed in KY for outpatient clinics. The Red Bird Clinic needs fill-in coverage for providers in a Primary Care/Health Care/Rural Health Clinic, including doctors, nurses, and dentist. Kentucky licensure required. 1 month or longer. Lodging, some meals provided. Contact: Joel Medendorp , Red Bird Clinic, HC 69 Box 701, Beverly KY 40913 USA 606-598-5135 jmedendorp@rbmission.org

Oklahoma
United Methodist Camping Ministry needs volunteer nurses. Food & lodging provided; background check required. Contact: Randy McGuire , 2420 N. Blackwelder Oklahoma City OK 73106 USA 405-525-2252 randy@okumc.org

BOLIVIA
CURAMERICAS Provides primary health care to 75,000 women and children by establishing health clinics and teaching health education to households at risk of death from preventable diseases. Is seeking mission trips volunteers to reconstruct a hospital and long term medical volunteers to strengthen the local programs and intervention strategies. Contact: Gladys Shanklin , Curamericas 919-821-8000 gladys@curamericas.org

BRAZIL
EVANGEMED Medical and Dental teams work with Dr. Wilson Bonfim in a mobile clinic attending people in small towns and villages, working through the local Methodist Church. Groups may also work at People's Central Institute in inner city Rio de Janiero, giving medical and religious assistance. Other areas for service include the Northeast, the Amazon (the Medical Boat), and Minas Gerais. Contact: Dr. Wilson Bonfim , World Methodist Evangelism , Rua Marques de Abrantes 55 Flamengo Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22230 061 Brazil; 021 5573542: 021 5577999 evangemed@metodista-rio.org.br

CHILE
l Vergel Agricultural School - Nurse Practitioner and a Veterinarian with dairy experience needed for El Vergel Agricultural School. , Santiago: Medical CenEter - Pediatrician sought for Medical Center in Santiago. Iquique: Nurse - Nurse needed at Iquique. Contact: Fabiola Grandon Toledo , Casilla 67, Sargento Aldea 1041, Santiago Chile 011-56-2-2692923 fgrandon78@hotmail.com OR voluntarios_proyectoschile@hotmail.com

EMANA - A UM related school, an institution of the Methodist Church of Chile in northern Chile requests volunteer dentists to come independently or with work teams which visit regularly. A fully equipped dental clinic has been donated but there are no dentists. Contact: Rev. Santiago Castellon , EMANA Casilla 832 Iquique CHILE 011-56-57-412-718: 011-56-57-428-465 emana@entelchile.net

PERU
Puerto Bermudez - Medical Volunteers needed. Contact: Bishop Marcos Ochoa, Iglesia Metodista de Peru Apartado 1386, Paisaje Baylones 186, Lima 05 Peru 011-51-1-424-5970: 011-51-1-447-4820 iglesiamp@terra.com.pe

Iquitos - Project Bushmaster. Medical teams are sought for work in Iquitos at a school in an area of profound poverty. Medical and dental services are needed by children with no resources. Also, medical teams can travel the Amazon by medical boat to provide medical services isolated villages on the riverbank. Common maladies include tooth infections, eye infections, parasites and lice.Contact: Gael Orr, 585-346-3310 gaeljo@yahoo.com

VENEZUELA
El Renuevo Global Ministries Medical Team Medical Boat Provide medical, dental and optometry care for 9 indigenous groups along the Caura River. Need 2 medical teams of 6 people each (1 doctor, 1 nurse, 1 dentist, 1 dental assistant, 1 optometrist, 1 paramedic.). Two 9-day trips in June 2003.

Rural Area Orinoco-Delta (Town of Uracoa): El Renuevo Global Ministries Medical Teams needed. Medical, dental and optometry care for 3 rural towns in Monagas State. 3 days clinic minimum. Need 1 medical team of 25-30 people (3 medical doctors, 3 nurses, 3 paramedics, 2 dentists, 2 dental assistants, 1 pharmacist, 4 pharmacist assistants, 1 optometrist, 1 optometrist assistants, 6 support team, 7 translators.). Also request Bible teacher. 9-day trip, July 2003.

La Urbana, La Felicidad, Payaipire & Pawipa, Santa Rosalia & Maripa: El Renuevo Global Ministries Medical Team - Medical, dental and optometry care for 3 rural communities. 3 days clinic medium. Need large medical team (45-50 persons). Also request Bible teacher. Contact: Grady Harmon U.S. Contact, El Renuevo Global Ministries, 13376 CL Torbert Jr. Parkway LaFayette AL 36862 USA ; 334-864-9135: 334-864-0932 elrenuevo@charter.net

MEDICAL RESIDENCY ABROAD
In His Image - International residency and training programs for Christian doctors in a wide variety of settings, with a particular emphasis on medically underserved locations. Contact: Anjanette Spear - admin@inhisimage.org.