In June I took a trip with the Global Aid Network (GAIN) to Zimbabwe. There were several projects planned including building a solar powered water well and irrigation system, making desks for 140 school children and a mobile medical clinic.

The mobile medical clinic was open for business in 3 different locations. Several doctors and nurses treated and cared for over 3,000 people during our time there. At each location they treated minor conditions, dispensed drugs and gave injections. The most common ailment they treated were STD's.

While people waited, they were provided shade and the opportunity to interact with a local Pastor who prayed for them and preached the gospel to them. It was wonderful to see wholistic ministry in action.

On the 3rd night at the 2nd location, the team showed the Jesus Film in Shona, the local language. The clinic was next to a building that served as a convenience store during the day and a tavern at night. As the sun set and the temperature dropped into the low 40's, about 50 people who attended the clinic came to watch the film. At the same time, about 50 people who were at the bar lined up around the outside of the bar to watch the film and continue drinking.

About halfway through the film a drunk man walked by and began yelling at the people who were watching the film. I don't know what he was saying but he was causing a stir. He was escorted away by 2 of the leaders of Life Ministries.

At the end of the film, a Zimbabwean man got up and preached a salvation message to the crowd near the bus and those sitting by the bar. He told them why Jesus was put on the cross and that they could have their hearts made clean. When he gave the altar call, 40 people came forward to receive salvation, about half were from the bar!

This trip was done in partnership with GAIN USA, Life Ministries Zimbabwe, 15 local pastors and the Jesus Film Project. The Lord was glorified as each group put down their ego's and logo's to meet the needs of the people. The pastors were there to continue offering spiritual care and assistance.

Medical missions is a great way to open peoples hearts to the gospel. When doctors and nurses help those in need and treat them with dignity, their hearts open to Christ. The Jesus Film, in their heart language, is a great way to introduce them to the One who sent you to them.

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  • Mark Sneed

    Mark Sneed

    Hi Dave - Great mission story! You have some excellent photos! You should enter them in our "Captured in His Image" photo contest at http://www.mymissiontrip.com/captured-in-his-image-photo-contest . You could win money towards your NEXT mission trip!