The Need for Medical Ministry

Prevention is better than cure. But what if you can't access either? Too poor to afford things like vitamins, fruits and vegetables—or routine doctor visits—families in poverty are left vulnerable against simple diseases, which can eventually threaten lives. Many in poor communities have also never been taught basic health and hygiene principles, which puts their families at additional risk of disease.

Some of the most common diseases in Asia are curable—even preventable. But many are suffering and dying from these treatable ailments. A cold can develop into pneumonia and burns go untreated (watch a video below about a burn victim, just two years old).

Diarrhea ravages both the young and elderly. Anemia weakens bodies. Headaches and other warning signals of greater ailments must be ignored.

GFA-supported Medical Ministry is helping thousands who are in need of medical attention, all while displaying the love of God.

Medical camps, a major aspect of this ministry, bring skilled doctors, medical staff, medication and health training to areas where people rarely have the chance to see a doctor. These camps may be organized in Bridge of Hope centres, remote villages, crowded slums—any place there is need and opportunity. One camp typically serves anywhere from 200 to 1,000 children and adults. Local medical personnel are invited to serve voluntarily at the camp, providing free pediatric and general health care, and eye checkups.

By God's grace, over 1,000 medical camps were held in 2018. Learn more through this 1-minute video:

What are the most common illnesses treated at medical camps?

Fever, eye disease, diarrhea, itching, colds, coughs, chickenpox, yellow fever, severe headaches, stomach problems, anemia and other diseases are frequently treated at medical camps. Patients with more serious issues, such as heart problems, gall stones or kidney failure, are given instructions for further tests and treatment.

What is the impact of a medical camp on a family?

The impact of a medical camp can go far beyond a checkup or a round of antibiotics. Parents and children learn how to protect themselves from disease - through the importance of hand washing, for example - which can influence lives years later. Medical camps also address false beliefs and fears about medicine that often hinder the sick, or pregnant women, from seeking medical help.

How does GFA-supported Medical Ministry strengthen poor communities?

A healthier family means more time spent at work instead of on sickbeds, more money spent on food and education instead of on medicine, and more hope for the future instead of premature death. Medical Ministry also provides an opportunity for national workers to pray for those who are ill and build relationships with communities.

In one slum community, a two year old boy suffered from severe burns. Listen in as Heather shares her very personal experience of meeting this suffering little boy, and how hundreds of thousands of women are learning how to better care for their children's health and well-being:

You can help make a profound difference in the health of men, women and children who live in some of the poorest villages in our world! Click here for more information.

Thank you for your prayers and support of GFA's Medical Ministry. Together, we can make a difference for today, and for eternity!

(Images are © GFA stock photos and videos)