Southwestern Adventist University

Trip Brings Health and Hope to Philippines

(posted 9/9/04)

by Alexis Franklin, senior Journalism major

The Southwestern Adventist University nursing department, along with HOPE (Healing Outreach Professional Endeavor) traveled to the Philippines on a mission trip this summer. The ten-member team held evangelistic meetings as well as medical clinics from July 9 until July 17.

Every year, Southwestern plans mission trips to different countries. This is the first time the nursing department and HOPE ventured to the Philippines. Last year, during spring break, the group served in the Dominican Republic. This year the group ventured to Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. Upon arrival, they were greeted with banners and the smiling faces of the local church members, and representatives from the South Philippines Union Conference.

They were accommodated in a guest house provided by the Union. Each night the meetings were held in a gymnasium in the Northern Mindanao Conference, in Gitagum.

Evangelistic meetings were held for both children and adults each night. The children were led by pre-med student, Mabel Mardones, Jean Griffitt, a church school teacher, and Michael Torres, who joined the team from Tennessee. The children participated in song service, heard children stories, and created arts and crafts.

 “They loved it. Everybody was busy doing something. And each of them took something home every night, since they all were able to make crafts,” said Lolita Valdez, an assistant nursing professor at Southwestern.

The adults were given health ministry talks by medical doctor, and pastor of the Cleburne SDA church, Tony Torres. These lessons were primarily about preventative treatments. Torres instructed the locals on natural remedies, as well as preventing stress. Health information is very useful to gain interest for the evangelistic meetings. Most of the people can’t afford a doctor’s visit.

The theme of the evangelistic meetings was “God’s Revelation in these End Times.” Evangelist Jack Dubosque held the meetings. Translators were provided for both speakers to make sure the message reached all attending.

“There was an increasing number of people every night,” said Valdez. “The sad thins is that the people have to get to know you first, and then they start coming to your meetings in larger numbers.”

At the close of the series, a total of 76 people were baptized, and an estimated 10 more have been baptized since the team left the Philippines.

During the mission trip, the nursing department and HOPE held medical clinics for the local people. A total of four clinics were held, each in a different group of villages so that more people could be reached. About 1,000 people attended the first meeting. Local volunteers offered their services to help with the large crowds. A sister hospital along with other local health centers worked with the mission team. Student nurses from the area, as well as a Muslim doctor donated their time for the cause also. Each time a new clinic location was set, the mission team commuted at least 45 minutes to reach their destination. During the clinics 100 minor surgeries, such as cist excisions, and 200 dental extractions were performed. An estimated 2,000 people were able to receive free medical attention as well as medicine.

The annual trip by Southwestern’s nursing department and HOPE is planned for next year, with several new participants. Since the team had a successful experience in the Philippines this year, they will return next summer. They will go to the same Union, but plan to serve in another conference.

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