Posted: 4/05/07
Houston students unite to serve in Acuña
By John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
HOUSTON—When a group of Texas Baptist students arrived to set up clinics in Acuña, Mexico, local residents already were lined up to be examined. They continued lining up all day long, and the students worked into the night looking after them.
It was worth it to spread the gospel, the students said.
| Students from Houston served more than 100 people day in clinics in Acuna, Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Jason Harrell) |
More than 30 people conducted medical clinics in Acuña three days during spring break through an effort coordinated by Baptist Student Ministries Director Jason Harrell. The team included two doctors from Houston hospitals, nine Rice University students who served as translators, 15 University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical Center students and four students from the Baylor College of Medicine.
The group split into two teams and served more than 100 people through clinics in two locations a day.
Josh Griffin, a first year student at UT Health Science Center, said people open up to doctors about their lives. They share physical, emotional and spiritual issues.
“I really enjoy serving is the biggest thing for me,” he said. “I believe health care is something everybody needs. It’s a huge opportunity to share the love of Christ. When you’re helping someone with their physical needs and helping them in that way, there’s a huge opportunity to share Christ’s love.”
Amy Moreno, a sophomore at Rice University who served as a translator, said she was encouraged by the people of Acuña. Residents shared testimonies of God’s healing power and protection of their lives.
“It was really good to talk them and get to know them,” she said. “Each of them had their own story.”
Samuel Lance, a second-year student at UT Health Science Center, said he took part in the trip because it was designed to share the gospel. The students set up in locations arranged by local churches, whose members can follow up with the people they met at the clinics.
Using the gifts and skills God has given a person to reach out to others in the name of Christ is what he called Christians to do, Lance said.
“Medical missions is a mandate for a Christian physician,” he said.
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