Today I went through the entire Health Expo, a two-week free clinic organized by Adventists in a shopping center in Chitungwiza, a city near Harare, Zimbabwe.
What an inspiring experience!
This is not an exhaustive list but these are thoughts from a heart deeply moved and fulfilled by seeing Christ’s method in action.
Hundreds of people were being guided and processed through numerous health stations and booths. There were adults and children, the aged and infants. There was calm cooperation and registration, health education, treatments, and even referrals for free surgeries done by volunteer surgeons and teams.
I saw special facilities for instruction of the deaf. I was overwhelmed by the joyful gratitude displayed by the hearing impaired that they were included in this great event. One had to be present to experience the moment.
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, chair massage. Most of the attendees had never before experienced the caring “ministry” of touch, and their faces glowed.
A courageous and dedicated group is caring for 17 drug addicts in various stages of withdrawal. They are temporarily housed in a nearby hostel for 14-plus days of observation, treatment, and counseling. Some were already able to express appreciation; others not quite there yet. I was struck by the determined, sacred commitment clearly demonstrated by all the volunteers, and am especially so in this challenging area.
Ongoing Health Expo proves to be an Acceptable Invitation to Revelation of Hope Series in Harare, by Dr Ted Wilson, President – General Conference of SDA.
Posted by Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division of Seventh-day Adventists on Saturday, May 23, 2015
Visit the free clinic that has treated more than 20,000 patients in a shopping center in Chitungwiza. Video courtesy of SID
The dentists, led by an orthodontist, treat an average of 150 patients per day. There is an eye service, pediatric wellness initiative and clinic initiative and, of course, the voluntary pharmacists giving out needed medications.
The quality of care is remarkable; the cleanliness and thoroughness commendable. What a wonderful and representative initiative — a picture of comprehensive health ministry.
Some limped in on crutches. Some came on wheelchairs. Others ran (some of the children in both directions!). Some just walked. The furrows of care in many brows told their own stories. So many attested to their deep gratitude for not only the physical care, but for the spiritual support.
So many stations: lifestyle instruction, healing interventions and, for some, only the solace that some really cared enough to be there for them.
But wait. There is something more. The radiant glow and expressions of fulfillment in faces of those scores of volunteers, working on their vacation time, almost squealing with delight: “We are so proud of our church!”
Dear exemplary and appreciated volunteers, planners, managers and, in fact, the entire Zimbabwe Union Team, your church is proud of you and grateful that despite your weary bodies and aching feet, you are extending the healing ministry of Jesus. Only in the Kingdom will the rest of the story become fully known! Maranatha.
So, what does comprehensive health ministry really look like? It looks as if Jesus has been here. That’s what Chitungwiza Town Center is beginning to resemble!
