Armed with their stethoscopes and medical supplies, a group of eight doctors and two nurses from Northern Ireland landed on our shores for an intense medical mission!
Their first operation was in the Beqaa in a local Baptist church and the second in the South of Lebanon in Maghdoushe’s city hall, a town overlooking the historical city of Sidon. A great team of translators and local volunteers from the Church and the municipality supported the doctors. In just 5 days they were able to examine around 800 adults and children, both Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees.
What made this medical mission so special and touching was the dedication and care of the medical team. They not only attended to the physical needs of the patients, they also cared for their emotional and spiritual needs. Many were positively surprised when the doctors asked if they could bless and encourage them and their families by praying for them. While wiping off her tears, one elderly women said, “I have never been shown that amount of compassion and care by a doctor before.”
This is what holistic mission is all about.
In the Beqaa, Pastor Samir* was joyfully greeting the people coming in to see the doctors. He knew many of the kids by name as they come everyday to the MERATH-supported church-based education center for Syrian refugees. After the examination of his children, one refugee whispered in the ear of Wissam, the medical mission’s coordinator: “We are so grateful for the help and support provided to us by the church.”
The perceived need and the impact of this medical mission team backed by friends and supporters in Northern Ireland enabled our partner sending church to organize another similar mission trip to Lebanon.
In Maghdoushe, many left-behind Lebanese were grateful they were also being cared for.
In both sites, many were happy to help themselves with a New Testament or an Action Bible that were made available by the church.
These were five very blessed days. God was glorified, the local church edified, the community served and the medical needs of the most vulnerable met.
Are you interested in organizing a similar mission trip? Contact us at information@lsesd.org for more information.
* Name has been changed
I have never been shown that amount of compassion and care by a doctor before.
