I was privileged to take a recon team of 3 dentist to this new country in January 2018. Our national host pastors a large evangelical church in a major town about 4 hours away from the capital city.
Getting to this country and then to our ministry site involves quite a bit of travel time, but the effort is worth the long travel. Our lodging was in a youth center and we each had a private bedroom and bath. The facility where our recon team worked is within the church compound and very secure. The church operates a medical clinic in the compound but no dental care is available. Our host wants to eventually expand their medical clinic to offer dental services. Dental care is available in the community at the goverrnment-run hospital but they often lack adequate supplies and can only offer extractions. We had the opportunity to work alongside three national dentists employed at the hospital. We had a great time of cross-cultural sharing of ideas and techniques.
Our national hosts wants to offer dental services as a way to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to provide restorative services to the underserved population of this major city.
Future members of the team being formed for later this year need to be prepared to offer more than extractions. Many patients will present with restorable teeth and most will need cleanings. Sadly, some patients will present with non-restorable teeth and they will be offered extractions.
While our team was in-country we were able to visit a major game preserve. Wow , what an experience!! we were able to get up close and personal with several different species. We will set aside time for another photo safari for the next team.
I came back to the US very tired from the long travel, but very excited about a larger dental team going later this year. The possibilities for ministry outreach are exciting and many people in this large town need better access to dental care.
I am excited to be a part of GHO reaching into this country and pray that if you are a dentist, hygienist, or dental assistant you will consider whether God is leading you to partner in this new area.
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