FIRST TEAM OF 2009
by Colleen DeLoach
June 12, 2009

team photo Our FIRST team of the season worked the week of June 8th, and WHAT A WEEK THEY HAD! This was the Fort Smith, Arkansas team of 26. Although it is called the Fort Smith team, there are several on the team from different states. But, actually, their work didn't 'start' on June 8th. They began preparing for this week, many months ago, as they have been meeting together regularly to study and pray together. And their efforts do not last only one week. They have touched many lives that will have far-reaching effects.

They worked across the river from the Capitol in the Canal 2 / Clay Brick Road community. During the four days they were there, they treated 626 patients in their Free Clinic. Each and every one of those people had an opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus, and MANY took advantage of that opportunity.

Then, each evening, they conducted a Gospel Crusade at that community. Many from the area attended. They also conducted a "Bible hour" program there in the evenings for the children.

During the day, they even conducted mini V.B.S. programs at local schools.

As the evening approached, half of the team loaded up and came back to the Georgetown area to conduct a Gospel meeting in the Sophia area. This too was well attended, and many responded.

All together, at both locations, they had 22 baptisms, and several restorations!

This was a FANTASTIC week! I have asked some of the team members to write a personal report to add to this. I think it will give a broader view coming from different perspectives.

a doctor's perspective
Psalm 103:3 teaches us that it is God who forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases. I notice that Jesus followed that order in healing the paralyzed man of Mark 2. Our Lord first took care of the man's spiritual illness before healing him of his physical illness. Jesus did what was in His power when He found someone suffering. I can follow His example when I work as a physician on a short-term mission in Guyana. I can do what is in my power to provide relief and hope. Here in Guyana we can often redirect someone's attention from their physical ailment by pointing them to the one Great Physician who can heal their bodies AND save their souls.
Michael Cole, M.D.

a seasoned team member's perspective
For 17 years God has graciously allowed me to be a co-leader of a Partners In Progress medical mission team to Guyana, South America. It was with quite a bit of trepidation that I came the first time in 1992. Now all the planning and preparations to lead a team have become an integral part of Michael's and my year. Our entire family has been blessed. We started bringing our two children and their friends when they were teenagers in the mid-1990's. Now each of their spouses has also been on a mission trip to Guyana with us. Our family has learned that nothing can surpass the joy of introducing our Savior to someone who may have heard nothing more than His name used in vain. It is wondrous to see that seed increase and to bear fruit as someone rejects Satan and accepts Jesus as their Master by putting on Jesus in baptism. I rejoice when I return to a congregation in Guyana where we have served in previous years and find those I have studied with still attending, becoming more active, and maturing in the Lord. But the blessings do not stop once I leave Guyana. It is a pleasure to observe the change in our fellow team members as they witness firsthand how blessed it is to teach someone about Jesus and then continue that zeal for teaching after they return home. It truly is a life changing experience for the team members as well as an eternal address change for those whom they lead to Christ.
Jeannie Cole