Medical mission team treats 1,182 patients during spring break
March 19, 2008
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, 417-865-2815, Ext. 7292
Springfield, Mo. — El Salvador was the destination of choice for 14 students from Evangel University during spring break. However, instead of heading to the beach, they headed to clinics to offer free medical care for more than 1,000 patients.
The health professions students, traveling with Dr. Michael Tenneson, biology professor and health professions adviser, worked with nurses, physicians, dentists, an optometrist and a pharmacist to provide five days of medical clinics in two locations in El Salvador.
During five days of clinics, 1,182 patients were treated (620 medical, 450 optical, 112 dental), and 106 people chose to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
“Students played a central role in this work, demonstrating very high levels of professionalism, self-sacrifice and spiritual maturity,” Tenneson said.
“My decision to go to El Salvador was a complete leap of faith,” said Meleah Crockett, sophomore biology/nursing major from Billings, Mo. “My heart was broken for the people we served, and I have never felt more confident that God has called me to reach the people who need physical and spiritual healing.”
Evangel University’s Department of Science and Technology and LifeWorks: The Center for Leadership and Life Calling sponsored the trip in coordination with HealthCare Ministries of the Assemblies of God and King’s Castle Ministries in El Salvador. The latter is led by Assemblies of God missionaries Don and Terri Triplett. Don is a 1974 Evangel graduate.
Springfield physician Dr. Richard Honderick, a 1971 graduate of Evangel, led the medical team, while the HealthCare Ministries were directed by Kathleen Ewing, a nurse from Washington State.
Health care clinics, with integrated spiritual counseling, were established for two days in the Assemblies of God church in Nueva Esperanza (New Hope), a community built for refugees.
“It was obvious the people there were in desperate need of medical attention,” Tenneson said. “People often walked or rode buses or bicycles for more than three hours to get to the clinic. The medical providers took much time to provide their patients with premier medical consultations and counseling. Teamwork days were long and grueling. Conditions were hot and dusty, yet spiritually enlivening.”
The final three days of clinic were based at the King’s Castle ministry training center.
“The trip was pretty indescribable,” said Andrea Greer, senior biology major from St. Francis, Wis. “I learned so much from the experience, and I have also deepened my relationship with the Lord. I truly feel called into the medical field and am already planning my next trip to El Salvador in the summer of 2009.”
For additional information, contact Dr. Michael Tenneson at (417) 865-2815 ext. 8318.
Students who attended the trip are:
- Rebekah Babcock, senior biology major from Ludington, Mich.
- Olivia Chojnacki, senior psychology major from Troy, Mich.
- Meleah Crockett, sophomore biology/nursing major from Billings, Mo
- Julie Emery, senior biology major from Rockhill, S.C.
- Ashley Gadd, freshman nursing major from Ozark, Mo.
- Andrea Greer, senior biology major from St. Francis, Wis.
- Andrea Ligon, sophomore biology major from Springfield, Mo.
- Brittni Lovelace, freshman nursing major from Adamsville, Tenn
- Rachel Lundberg, junior biology major from Farmington, Minn.
- Melody Olivarez, senior biology major from Ft. Collins, Colo.
- Laura Schalembier, senior biology major from Porterville, Calif.
- LaNika Scepurek, senior biology major from Little Falls, Minn.
- Sabrina Schol, junior biology major from Sioux City, Iowa
- Kelsie Wadle, junior biology major from Big Springs, Neb.