calling all doctors

On Wednesday the entire afternoon was dedicated towards providing medical care for both the children and parents. After missions and bible classes in the morning to continue meeting the spiritual needs, medical professionals arrived to help us meet the physical needs. It was a beautiful display of God's servants using their professions to help serve those in need and further His kingdom. Local pastors also joined in on the fun to give support to the hurting parents. And not only did those attending the camps receive basic treatment, but some of the counselors (mostly college kids with little funds) had a chance for a quick check-up as well.

In attendance was a pediatrician to meet with the campers. I was blessed by watching him work. After diagnosing each child and prescribing some medications he would have anyone in an arm's reach pray over the child. By the day's end, every single child received medical and spiritual treatment.

We also had a table full of medications. There weren't any overly fancy drugs, just the basics. The doctors would prescribe whatever was needed on a piece of paper which then would be taken to the table. The parents would receive a bag with all the medications as well as directions for consumption.
The dentist was a huge hit. Very few of the children had ever been to one before. In American dollars it's cheap (between 8-10 dollars), but that's pricey for most Indians, especially those struggling to support a child with special needs. I was impressed by this particular dentist. She went above and beyond basic cleaning for each child. After looking at each, she recommended a handful of certain come to her office the next day for more pertinent care. She chose to stop her paying customers for one day in order to pull teeth (and she pulled a lot) for children who will never be able to pay for the care they received. As a result of her work, kids with rotted teeth, which would have resulted in more significant issues down the road endured the momentary pain for longer relief.
And for the parents, a doctor came to meet with them. He took blood pressure and other vitals since most of these parents deal with high stress from raising their children. He would also prescribe medications for each as they needed them. I only took this one picture of him since I spent most of the time at the pediatrician's table, so pardon it's blurred appearance.
Of all the days in camp, the medical day was probably the most blessed. Seeing people unable to pay for care receive it free of charge was a testament to God's Spirit in the lives of His children. One particular child who drools and can't speak was found to be suffering from a "tied" tongue. One call to a Christian surgeon was placed, and the child is scheduled to have the operation done for free so he can hopefully learn to speak and drool less. While the earthly blessing of seeing children grow healthier is a blessing in and of itself, these three (and soon to be four) individuals shall receive a great reward in heaven for serving "the least of these."