Medical Volunteers Treat 3,000 in the Philippines

Greater Seattle Filipino-American Church members completed their seventh medical-dental mission trip to the Philippines this year. The 40-person, Seattle-based medical team, led by Grace Gamponia, a Seattle-area doctor, includes medical doctors, dentists, nurses, medical technicians and other healthcare professionals.

"Our members have a great passion to see the gospel preached in the Philippines," says Ed General, pastor, "and they are dedicated to providing medical care particularly to poor children."

In collaboration with the Leganes Adventist Church and Bacolod Sanitarium and Hospital, the medical volunteers provided free medical care including minor surgery, circumcision, dental care and infant care in Iloilo on Panay Island. They also held an evangelistic crusade and a Week of Prayer. Volunteers distributed medicine, clothes, toys, toothpaste, books and other goodies.

Thousands of young and old people — mothers carrying babies, teenagers and the elderly with high blood pressure — patiently lined up early in the morning in the Leganes sports complex. Some traveled for miles on dusty, rocky roads to get a medical check-up and medicine, since access to healthcare is difficult in the Philippines. In all, the medical team treated nearly 3,000 people. Nightly evangelistic meetings resulted in 38 baptisms.

"I am blessed with good health, good food, a nice house and a wonderful family in the United States," shares a volunteer. "It's a great blessing to put a smile on someone's face."

The church plans to return to the Philippines in 2011. To join the medical mission team, call (206) 923-0888.

Featured in: August 2009

Author

Liza General

Greater Seattle Filipino-American Church communication leader