The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. Isaiah 41:17
The India Connection ministry completed our 8th annual medical missions trip in January. Seventeen volunteers from around the U.S. conducted a free medical camp and taught health education programs in Pune, India.
2016 Medical Missions Team
Thousands came from the poor slum neighborhoods surrounding the Koinonia Medical Clinic to be treated for fever, flu, digestive disorders, and infections. Many received potentially life-saving diagnoses of hypertension and diabetes. Everyone learned how to develop good healthy habits.
For the second year, our headquarters building Pune Center provided the perfect location for this outreach. It is roomier than the tent we used to set up on a busy main road, and quieter too! Pastor Joseph invited several physicians to join us and provide specialized care, including a practicing dentist.
New this year was dental student Elizabeth Hiwale, who assisted them both. What a great experience for her, and the five St. John Fisher pharmacy students (Hillary Barnard, Heather Miller, Alexandra Hess, Dyanna Diaz, Hannah Noh) who also worked as key members of the team!
Another first time participant, nurse Dorothy Bellenger, worked the triage station with Lisa Aggas, who has been on numerous trips over the years.
Our new permanent doctor, Dr. Sheetal Zambare, scheduled follow up visits at the Koinonia Medical Clinic with those patients suffering chronic health issues like high blood pressure and glucose levels. This was not her first Medical Missions Camp; she has participated in them for the past several years. Please pray for her and her husband, as they are expecting a child soon.
The last station, as always, was for prayer. Almost all the patients were non-Christians, giving Pastor Tony and other volunteers many opportunities to pray one on one for their physical and spiritual needs. Hundreds of bibles written in the local language were distributed, and the loving power of Christ was felt by all involved.
The clinic itself has a new location this year, a bigger facility that is closer to the slum areas we serve. Please join us in praying that we will continue to reach these patients with the love of Christ, and that the Lord will bring a harvest of souls.
On Saturday we held our fourth Women’s Health Day. This event is growing every year. It is obviously serving a great need by providing health education and cancer screenings to local women.
He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. Romans 2:6-8
What a blessing it is every year to see so many hearts desiring prayer for the deep pressing needs in their lives, and to have the awesome opportunity to share the gospel of grace with them. What a great privilege to be able to tell them about our only hope in this world – the Lord Jesus Christ.
Are you feeling a stirring in your heart to serve the Lord in missions? Come talk to us!
