Medical Mission Report

Write by:Gabe Powell

It is a great joy to share the medical mission update with everyone.  Praise God for another fruitful medical mission this year at Bacoor, Cavite in the Philippines!  The Lord provided 28 volunteers this year for the medical mission team.  The team consisted of 5 doctors, 4 nurses, 10 counselors (including local pastors), students, businessmen and laymen.  Eric Oak and Michael Armstrong were able to join the medical mission team this year and faithfully represent Christ and Hope Bible Church.  The medical mission proper was 3 days.  During the week of the medical mission, God caused a typhoon.  In His providence, we were able to do the medical mission in a better building provided by the resort where the mission team was staying.  The original venue was flooded from the typhoon and not fit for the mission.  Because of the abundant rain, the weather was much cooler than normal and a lot easier to do work outside than the previous medical missions.  Furthermore,  schools were closed because of the typhoon and many children and their parents were able to come to the medical mission.  Throughout the mission, we planned and God directed our steps (Prov 16:9).

In spite of the storm, 591 people were treated, 434 were counseled and many made a profession of faith.  The local pastors will continue to follow up and disciple those who were counseled and those who made a profession of faith.  After the medical mission, Dr. Tony Gatdula organized a one-day seminar for the local pastors, deacons, teachers and even laymen. Of the past 12 medical missions, this is the first seminar implemented with the medical mission.  About 3o men and women showed up to the seminar.  Brother Scott Gatdula spoke on Justification, brother Steve Gatdula spoke on Sanctification, brother Michael Armstrong spoke on Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God and finally, Pastor Tony Gatdula spoke on False Prophets.  Some free Bibles, theological books and literature were provided for the attendees of the seminar.

Thank you, brothers and sisters in Christ, for your support and faithful prayers during this medical mission to the Philippines.  Because of your help, our great God and Savior was worshiped and the gospel was preached to the people of Bacoor this year.  Lord willing, next year’s medical mission will be held at Meycauayan (May-cow-why-yan) a city in the province of Bulacan just 19km north of Manila (Pastor Tony grew up in this town). Please continue to pray that the Lord will provide the laborers and all the necessary supplies as we seek to obey His Great Commission next year in the Philippines.  “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest” (Matt 9:37-38).  To God be the glory!

On behalf of the medical mission team and Ptr. Tony Gatdula,

Steve Gatdula

Gabe Powell