Christ Lutheran puts out call for medical aid

More than medicine is what Sharon Thomas says she shares each time she takes part in an LCMS World Relief and Human Care Mercy Medical Team.

When people in some of the world’s poorest overseas communities ask the registered nurse and member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Belvidere, Ill., why she uses her time and resources to travel to their country to care for the sick, she talks about Christ’s love.

“We are Christians as well as medical professionals, and God leads us to reach out and do what we can to help ease suffering,” said Thomas, who has served on eight MMTs — in Indonesia, Madagascar, Haiti and Kenya — as part of the short-term service program coordinated by LCMS World Relief and Human Care.

In November, she plans to serve again in Kenya on her ninth MMT in three years.

Medical volunteers who share Thomas’ interest in Christian service are needed for upcoming MMTs in Haiti, Aug. 6-14; Madagascar, Oct. 6-16; and Kenya, Nov. 8-20.

Teams are now organizing, and spots are still open for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, registered nurses, emergency medical personnel and pharmacists. Also needed are pastors to serve as MMT chaplains.

While the most urgent need is for medical professionals, WR-HC’s Maggie Karner, director of Life and Health Ministries, stresses that “hard-working adult laity” also may apply. Professional medical experience is not necessary for MMT participation, she says, but team members must be at least age 18.

To learn more, visit www.lcms.org/mercyteams or contact WR-HC’s Jacob Fiene, manager of Material and Medical Goods, at jacob.fiene@lcms.org or (800) 248-1930, ext. 1380.

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