Dominica was a smashing success! The harvest for souls was as ripe and sweet as a Dominican banana.
Prior to the trip some of us had fears and anxiety regarding our ability to meet the people's needs with such a small group. After all we were one doctor ( Dr Gomez), one nurse (brother Michael), one nurse assistant ( sister Esperanza), one children's ministry coordinator ( sister Rebecca) and four evangelists ( brother Fred and sisters Grace and Natalie and Lynette). One day while praying the Lord spoke to me and said " I will show you a glimpse of my ministry and I will give you power if you do it my way. I will raise you up and make you strong and I will give you a special blessing for your obedience". After that promise from the Lord we knew that we would handle anything with His Grace.
Dominica is a beautiful island resembling an emerald in the sea. The aerial view is breathtaking and once you are on the ground is even more impressive as it is mountainous terrain every inch covered with lush green vegetation.
We were received at the airport by representatives of the Mahout Baptist Revival Church, brothers Malcolm and Julius. We were able to pass all medications through customs with no problems. We did pray like never before for this and the Lord answered. They did not even check a single bag or box after we showed the letter from MAP international.
Brother Roe Serralta and his wife Anna and two daughters came with us on the same flight and we were comforted by this because Roe has become the island expert and he really knows his way around. He is so brave that he drives like a Dominican!
Day one of the medical mission was off to a slow start due several factors, location and lack of advertising. I suspect also a very strong oppression from the enemy. From 9:00 am to 2:00 p.m. we had not seen a single patient or shared the Word with anyone. Some of our young believers were getting quite anxious and wanted to operate by might. At that moment we came together as a group and prayed with all of our hearts to the Holy Spirit to guide us. We called for our Shepherd to lead His stranded flock. Immediately brother Malcolm thought about going down the hill and speaking to government officials to lend us the Marketplace for the next day. Mrs Fontaine and Mrs Adams allowed us to use this location which was more accessible to the elderly and the sick. We returned up the hill to the church with a smile on our faces knowing that the next day was going to be much better. The Lord gave us another gift and brought in 20 patients that afternoon and all received the Gospel and accepted the Lord.
Thursday we began to see patients in the Marketplace. The Glory of God was manifested. We saw a glimpse of Jesus ministry. The Marketplace was a place where He would see thousands of sick people brought to Him on mats. I saw 55 patients that day and brother Fred and Grace shared the Gospel without ceasing for at least 8 hours. Almost all came to Christ. That day the promises He had made to us came true as we were operating under His Grace and Power. He gave each and everyone of us the ability to do thing we had never done before. Rebecca had 30-50 children surrounding her at any time. She shared the Gospel and kids were accepting the Lord. She was singing and dancing, drawing and reading hour after hour.
Brother Michael and Esperanza were handling all prescriptions flawlessly. Natalie was floating and making herself available where ever she was needed. Lynette was the secretary and organized the entire flow of patients keeping perfect order and control of the situation. We also appreciated the help Anna Serralta offered us during each day of work. We were also supported By Pastor Regist and his lovely wife who made home cooked meals for us every day.
On this day we were joined by Tad Serralta and his wife and children as well as the entire Worship team from Sebring Florida ( Created To Worship). They were busy setting up everything for their ministry which was to give a Christian concert in conjunction with local artist at the Bay-front area that evening. Pastor James shared the Word.
We had the privilege to pray as one church and one body that morning at 6:30 am. We had a powerful prayer time as we worshiped our Lord while Johna sang praise songs by the ocean. We healed and strengthened each other with prayer. It is beautiful to be in the family of Christ amongst believers and feel that instant connection. We continued to pray for each other during the day and night events.
Finally day three was going well until mid day when after praying for brother Malcolm, a fire broke out very close to the mission site. We could actually feel the heat on our faces and a black cloud started to descend on us. We quickly gave away as much medicines as we could and packed the rest to leave with the church. Brother Michael heroically ran off to fight the fire and made the evening news. At that point we had seen 105 patients and 92 were saved. By far this is the most fertile ground I have seen for acceptance of the Gospel. Pastor Regist will follow these people in the near future to insure their continued Christian growth.
Finally Doctors In Christ would like to thank brothers Roe and Tad for their calling to Dominica and for allowing us to be part of their ministry. Congratulation to Created to Worship for a job well done. All of you are very talented and I would like to invite you to play at our church soon. To all the missionaries who donated their time and treasure to the Lord, He has a blessing for you. To brother Malcolm who was the angel sent to help us thanks and I know the Lord has a blessing for you. To brother Julius, our safe driver, thank you and blessing from the Lord. To the Mahout Baptist Revival Church may you continue to grow in Grace and multiply. Thank you Pastor and Mrs Regist for you hospitality.
To the people of Dominica we say thank you for having us and trusting us with your health. We felt that you are kind and loving people. I can't hardly wait to come back soon and do it even better. Just promise you will keep one of those delicious bananas waiting for me!
In His hands,
Jorge W. Gomez, MD
