Last week gave us reason to celebrate at Seeds of Hope because our annual medical clinic was back in full force for the first time since 2019! We were excited to welcome a team of doctors, nurses, dentists, and volunteers from North Point Ministries. North Point sends a medical team every year to serve patients in Jericho, but this was the first year they’ve been able to return since the pandemic.
In just four days, the team saw over 300 patients from infants to the elderly with a range of ailments and issues that are difficult to find help for in our community. After years of hosting this clinic each March, many people trust Seeds of Hope and our volunteers so much that they will wait and see the doctors at our clinic if they can.
PHOTO: A young girl receives a dental exam from a volunteer while her mother looks on. For some locals, access to dental care is limited, so our clinic provides a great opportunity for them to get checked out!
One young mother brought her infant son, who had been severely burned in an accident. She’d been to doctor after doctor around Jericho, trying to find help for her child and understand his diagnosis. She was overwhelmed by the often-contradictory information she was getting and the lack of access to specialists. As a last resort, she visited our clinic and met with one of the pediatricians on the team. While her son’s prognosis was difficult to hear, she found comfort in finally understanding his condition and what she could do to help him. Leaving with concrete information, helpful advice, and prayers of encouragement lifted her spirits and brought her hope.
This is part of what’s so special about our medical clinic. Not only do people leave with medical help, but the volunteers take the time to address their emotional and spiritual well-being too.
When G. walked into the clinic, no one knew how heavy her heart and mind were. As Dr. Dan from the medical team and S., the translator who accompanied him, began to talk with G., it was clear there was more going on than met the eye. We often hear that visitors to the clinic feel the love and acceptance of the volunteers and trust in the confidentiality of the team, and it causes them to open up. This was certainly true of G.
After a few questions, G. broke down in tears and began to unpack years of burden. Her self-esteem had continued to degrade over the years of having her three children. She was overweight but, more importantly, entirely overwhelmed by the negative comments of the people around her and the negative thoughts that had taken root in her own mind. She was depressed, had no confidence, and felt like she had no hope of changing her mind or body. She had carried this feeling for years with no one to talk to or find encouragement from. She felt judged by the comments family and friends would make about her weight and appearance.
In the midst of her tears, S. offered to pray with G., and G. agreed. As S. and Dr. Dan took time to speak truth and love into her life, G.’s walls began to come down. She found acceptance, peace, and hope through their prayers. S. was able to share with her about the true peace and comfort that can be found in Jesus. Dr. Dan gave her guidance and encouragement on the steps she could take to improve her mental and physical health. And Seeds of Hope became a safe place where she knew she was accepted without judgment.
PHOTO: Going to the doctor doesn’t have to be scary. Volunteers added face painting and crafts for children to make the clinic a fun day for everyone!
Each time we serve our community through a medical clinic, it expands our influence and impact. While our neighbors come to Seeds of Hope for help with their physical needs, we know we can help serve their emotional and spiritual needs as well.
And while we’re incredibly grateful to the project team from North Point for their time and sacrifice, we’re also grateful to you. The financial support and encouragement you give us all year long make weeks like this possible. So, thank you!
