Our missionary team included: Dr. Rene Andino, Dr. Emilio Lopez, Dr. Jorge Gomez, nurse Lois Kamela and evangelists Fred and Grace Soltau, Jack and Esperanza Saud, Pauline and Chris Ramsay, Brenda Leighton and teachers Kathy Salomon and Rebecca Toruno.
The mission took place in a town called Stettin, in the district of south Trelawny. We were received by the New Testament Church of God, a Pentecostal church of which Bishop Ralston Powell is the senior Pastor. We were further supported by Reverend George Thomson and Pastor Wright.
I cannot compliment the brethren of Jamaica enough for the warm welcome, the love and the spirit of service with which we were received. Bishop Powell became an instant friend as he drove us around and we were able to converse and exchange ideas. Pastor Wright gave us some very energetic and sincere preaching and Pastor Thomson was everywhere helping out with pharmacy, prayer, etc. There were beautiful sisters that cooked for us a delicious lunch every day and that is how we tasted many of the national dishes and drinks.
I strongly believe that every person who volunteered for this mission trip was transformed by the Holy Spirit and grew closer in the walk with our Lord Jesus as we had a taste of His Ministry. We always go on these trips with the purpose of sharing the Gospel of our Lord Jesus and tending to the medical care of the poor and the needy. Somehow, it is always us who are more positively affected as we come back filled to the brim with the love and peace of our Lord and Savior.
Sister Pauline was a blessing from the start as she took over as my secretary, lawyer and advocate in all bureaucratic matters. She had the only phone that worked, she knew everybody, and everything. I felt very secure at her side. Most of all, she knew how to get things done the Jamaican way. No problem mon. Sister Pauline, who was not sure what her role would be as she had never been on a missions trip, ended up being instrumental in clearing all medications through customs, praying with the patients, helping on pharmacy runs and anything that came up. Great warrior!
Sister Brenda was the face of the Ministry as she received the patients and prayed with them. After registration, patients were sent to have their vital signs taken and to give a short medical history to the nurse practitioner Mrs. Fisha, who did the best job I have ever seen of accurately recording an extraordinarily high number of elevated blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Sister Lois was in charge of the dispensation of medicines and did a wonderful job of handling over 400 prescriptions in two days.
After triage patients were given the Gospel individually or in small groups by our evangelistic team. It was amazing to see our church brothers and sisters completely overtaken by the Holy Spirit boldly proclaiming the Gospel. I cannot say enough about the passion and leadership of our brother Jack. He really blossomed as a missionary in Jamaica. I was deeply touched by the relentless counseling and prayer offered by Fred and Grace. Sister Esperanza was multi- tasking with pregnancy counseling, evangelism and pharmacy.
Teachers Kathy and Rebecca were a total blessing to the children of Jamaica. They ran the children's ministry and were responsible for sharing the Gospel with children of all ages, teaching them Christian songs and deeply impacting their minds. Even a three year old when asked what did you learn today responded, " I learned about the cross and that Jesus loves me".
I could hear the children laughing and singing full voice for hours. Many of the kids would show great signs of affection towards them even in the night services as they would ignore the preaching and look back towards the sisters with great smiles on their faces. I know that both Rebecca and Kathy were changed by this experience.
Together, the evangelistic team was able to lead over 45 adults to Christ. The Holy Spirit moved mightily through them as the Word was penetrating people's hearts.
The medical team treated over 400 patients in 3 days. Patients would travel for 2 hours at times but most were from local areas. Some would wait an additional 4-6 hours to be seen. We had enough medicines to meet most of their needs. Doctors Andino and Lopez were often exhausted by the end of the day. Emilio still had enough energy to play praise songs with his guitar as the team traveled 1 hour to return to the hotel. As a doctor I can share with you that there is nothing better than to share the talents and the gifts that God has given us and put them to work for the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus. No money, no charts, no malpractice insurance. Just you, the patient and the Lord guiding you. You feel the Spirit like never before. You are filled with His love and His compassion. You experience a glimpse of His healing ministry. I cannot understand how the Lord did this for 3 straight years, 24/7. He was a man just like us.
I can confidently say that all of us operated under His strength and power for 4 days. We would wake up and pray from 6:30 am to 7:30 am. We would have breakfast and drive an hour to the mission site. There we would start work at 9:30 am and break only for a short lunch, continuing to work until 6:30- 7: 00 pm. We would return to the hotel by 8:00 pm and would have dinner, take a shower and sleep.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. Sign me up for the next one. I can't hardly wait. It is my time with the Lord. It is my service to the Lord. It is my calling and my purpose in life. He gave me this great Ministry. It is His until He calls me back home or instructs me otherwise.
Jamaica 2008 has been the crown Jewel of Doctors In Christ this year. As the year ends our doctors and Board members will be taking into consideration future mission sites. We are Spirit led and surrendered. He once told me " I will provide you with the manpower. I will provide you with the resources and I will prepare the way. I will tell you where the need is".
We will be in prayer to hear His voice speak to us.
I would like to thank all who have participated in all Doctors in Christ missions this year. San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic; Fuerte Apache, Argentina; and Trelawny, Jamaica. I appreciate your continued support of this ministry. Your participation has been essential. Please share your experience with another doctor, nurse, pastor or church member.
Lets grow this ministry together for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. Only He takes the praise and the glory. We are just humble servants. Thank you for serving with me.
Psalm 67:4
Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously and govern the nations on earth.
Pictures for Jamaica 2008 will be posted soon.
In His hands,
Jorge W. Gomez, M.D.
