Medicine & Missions

Reagan Smith, Sophomore Nursing Major

​It’s 6:30 am and 47 medical professionals, students, and other volunteers pile into a bus on the streets of downtown Santiago, Chile. It’s the first day of the clinic and there is a buzz of excitement as we begin the 30 minute trip to Pudahuel just outside downtown. Its 40 degrees outside, and everyone has on extra layers, but despite the temperature outside, the line for the clinic begins to stretch down the street.
 
This summer several Bob Jones University students along with Dr. Marc Chetta of the science faculty and many others were able to assist Medical Missions Outreach on their trip to Santiago, Chile. Before we even got to Chile, however, God was already orchestrating his plans for this trip. There were storms over Atlanta so many of us were delayed getting to the airport, and a group of 13 of us missed our flight and settled in for the night. It was a long night on the floor of the international terminal in Atlanta.
 
Twenty-four hours later we left for Santiago. I was in a seat next to a man from Argentina. I was able to witness to him and left him with a Spanish tract that he could read. I’m thankful that we missed that flight or I would not have an opportunity to witness to this man. God’s timing is always best. Before the clinic started we did some sightseeing around the beautiful city. We were also able to share testimonies and worship in three different churches on Sunday. On Monday we set up the clinic and did some final canvassing to get the word out. The next 4 days were clinic days.
 
Thursday, I was shadowing Dr. Chetta and his interpreter Cata Undurraga (Sophomore nursing student, who is Chilean). I was able to see how he treated different conditions as well as how he listened to the stories of the people. A woman came to the clinic complaining of stomach pain, but she kept changing her story. Dr. Chetta said she had “verbal diarrhea” (a psychiatric disorder). Cata tried to share the gospel with her explaining that she believes the woman’s problem was more emotional than physical. The lady went on to tell us some very disturbing stories of things that her husband had done to her.  At this point, Dr. Chetta mentioned that he believed she might actually be possessed by demons. We helped the lady find a counselor, but I continued to think about her all afternoon.
 
Later the same day she came back, this time with all of her medical records. Again Cata pleaded with her to put her trust in Christ and that He alone would fulfill her longing for peace in her soul. Dr. Chetta and I prayed while Cata spoke to her. We could see the woman listening intently and then stare into the distance while her face showed no emotion. She spoke with a counselor and although she did not accept Christ, the seed was planted in her heart. We are praying that the missionaries will follow-up with her and eventually she will get saved.
 
Although, we didn’t see this one soul come to Christ, the Lord blessed us with more than 350 new brothers and sisters in Christ. We were also able to provide 1,700 people with medical and vision care. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to serve with Medical Missions Outreach and I hope to go on another trip soon!