Thursday, October 6, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Welcome Back to School
- Noonday Lunches ($3.00) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00-12:45 with a devotional
- Bible Studies and discipleship opportunities
- Local ministry projects such as our Mouth Guard Ministry which will be held at East High School this year, working with St. Jude in the Spring, and other area ministry opportunities as they present themselves
- Foreign health-field mission trips during the summer
- Fellowships throughout each semester: cook-outs, Redbirds games, bon fire, Thanksgiving at the BCM, BCM Christmas Party
- And you definitely don't want to miss the Beast Feast! (our annual fundraiser/wild game dinner)
I hope to see you soon. We are located at 757 Court Ave. Next to the campus police station.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Wrap up from Ecuador part 2
Me:¿Como te llamas? (What is your name?)
Wrap up from Ecuador part 1
Our week is coming to an end and I am blown away by Gods constant hand on our lives. Every missions trip I have been on has always had an incredible group of people. People that God brought together. People that were more acquaintances than close friends. And at the end of every trip, I am always wondering how can it get any better than this. But it always does. God brought a handful of strangers together for His purpose. And we are no longer acquaintances and strangers but close friends. Something only God could do. He knew what needed to happen this week and who needed to be here to accomplish it.
He knew we needed Meghan, Lindsey, Suzy, and Maureen to greet everyone at the door with a smile and something they probably have never had: a picture of themselves. And in between pictures, He knew how important it would be for them to sit there with the children and color with them. Simply spending time with them while also distracting them from what lies ahead in the clinic.
He knew we needed one medical student named Charlie who helped in every area of our ministry with a joyful spirit. His love is big and his joy contagious. Many were touched by him this week including me.
God also knew that we needed nine green D2s: Laura, Leesa, Amanda, Anne Marie, Ashley, Jessi, Nick, Cory, and myself. Each one willing to work anywhere in order to accomplish the daily needs in the dental clinic. God also knew that this would be a great learning experience for us. Not only for us to learn how to give injections, pull teeth, and fill teeth but for us to learn how we can use our skills and resources to make an impact in peoples lives.
God knew we needed Blain on this trip to not only add a lot in the clinic but to bring much laughter and entertainment to all of us throughout the week.
He also knew that we needed Terrah and Jessie to be here to listen to the people of Ecuador who have experienced a loss of a loved one. For them to sit and listen to them talk about and express things that they have never shared with anyone before. Jessie and Terrah both were valuable to this team but mostly to the people they listened to and were able to minister to.
God knew we needed two dentists that graduated last week to help lead this team in a very unselfish way: Matt and Hunter. Both could have come here and used this trip to gain experience and develop their skill. But instead they chose to use this trip as an opportunity to invest in the 11 dental students that came. This trip would not have happened if it weren't for their leadership and involvement in BCM.
God also knew we needed a leader to lead this team. But He knew it had to be Bryan. Someone who not only is fun to be around but someone who is intentional in everything he does. Someone that would be an encouragement to us but also a true servant.
God also knew we needed both Darren and my dad, Nelson, to make this trip really special. Aside from their constant humour, they provided 13 of us the opportunity to practice dentistry here in Quito. They prepared months in advance by gathering supplies, chose to spend a week away from their wives and children, and to spend the week teaching all of us. They could have gone on other trips but they choose to go with the BCM. We needed them to have not only a successful dental clinic but an unforgettable experience. An experience that taught us all ways we can be intentional with our lives and invest in others. They have been blessed much. But they showed us that it is not so they can accumulate but so they can bless others.
Lastly, God wanted Brent here. He knew he would be an asset in the dental clinic. But mostly, he wanted Brent to share with us something that he has been recently learning. And that is the importance of making disciples. Jesus spent 85% of His time on this earth investing in 12 individuals. And Jesus's last words to them contained only one verb: to make disciples. Not to go. But as we go, we are to make disciples. We, as followers of Jesus Christ, need to invest our lives into others. To be intentional in all we do in order to spread the Gospel.
It is amazing to me how involved God is in our lives. He wanted all 23 of us here for a reason: to meet physical and spiritual needs. But to also change us and the way we view His people. The people here probably believe they received the biggest blessing. But I know that we are leaving the most blessed. Blessed by the people of
Ecuador's love and joy despite their circumstances. More than likely, this group will never be together again. But we will always remember each other and what God did through us and in us during our week in Quito together.
By Rebekah, 2nd year Dental student
Amazon Rainforest Zipline...it's like you're there
Amazon Rainforest Zipline
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Viva Quito!
Videos of last day of Clinic 1/16
Videos of last day of Clinic 5/16
Videos of last day of Clinic 6/16
Videos of last day of Clinic 9/16
Videos of last day of Clinic 12/16
Videos of last day of Clinic 13/16
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Photos of Clinic-Day 3
Ecuador-Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Day three of clinic….check! God is working in so many ways here in Quito. I am taken back by not only the amount of strength and bravery that the people of Quito display, but also by the amount of appreciation that each of them express. I am so blessed to be here and witness God working and moving in so many different ways. I knew when I decided to listen to God and commit to taking this trip that I would have a chance to touch the lives of many people, however I never realized how much these people would be touching me.
The clinic is almost indescribable. 120+ people flow through our clinic doors each day. Today I spent the majority of my time in the “triage” area where I had the opportunity to give injection after injection. I could not trade anything for this experience. One little girl was especially one to remember. In the process of trying to give her an injection, she closes down, and my finger just happened to be in the way. That little girl never did calm down enough for a procedure to be done, but despite that girl’s traumatic experience, the look of hope that was left in her eyes will never be forgotten.
Today was also especially special because we had the opportunity to really experience the city of Quito. First, our translator Nani took us around to little shops near our clinic. Being that I was one of the eight who did not receive luggage, I was able to purchase some much-needed new kicks as well as some very unique Ecuadorean souvenirs. Then for dinner tonight, a group of us ate an authentic Ecuadorean buffet. They had everything from cow tongue and blood clots to green ball banana soup. Then to top it off, there was a dessert bar that ran the length of a wall with the tastiest being this caramel goodness served in a shot glass. It was muy bien.
All and all, I am having a blast here in Quito. I have to say though that this trip would not be what it is if it was not for the people I am sharing these experiences with. I could not ask for two better teachers that Dr. Forster and Dr. Wilson. Also, from everything from the bus rides, to the days and clinic, to the time we spend together after dinner, there is nothing more rewarding than growing in the Lord with each of these brothers and sisters in Christ each day. God is definitely working and moving in the city of Quite, and I am so happy that I am able to be a part of it. Praise be to God.
By Ashley, 2nd year Dental student
I felt like today was a "reflecting" type of day. You know... one of those days where you have really been able to just take in all that is around you. I see how adorable those kids are as they walk in our makeshift clinic. And how welcoming Suzy, Lindsay, Meghan, and Maureen are as they walk in with pictures and coloring books and smiles and simply with the open arms of Christ. And how appreciative the pastor and his wife are as they smile in such gratitude... Just as Bryan has said, a smile has no language barrier. And I see the dentists-- Dr Wilson, Dr. Darren, Hunter, and Matt, as well as Brent, and Blain as they use their talents and abilities for the glory of God. And I know that He has placed me here for a reason... to learn and grow as a Christian and in my professional path in becoming a dentist. And then I look at my classmates and think of how much we have been through together already, and how much we will continue to grow together in the rest of this week and the years to come.
I am honored and humbled to be a part of this experience in Quito. I pray that we have made as much of an impact on the people of Ecuador, just as they have on us.
By Laura, 2nd year Dental student
I have been working in the photography/welcome station for the most part, and I would have to say today was the smoothest day we have had so far. Suzy, Lindsay, Meghan and I have perfected the process of welcoming a child, taking their picture, printing the picture, and decorating the picture frame. The part we have not perfected is the conversation. We are limited to asking the children how many brothers/sisters they have and how old they are, but we are learning more everyday. Lindsay got some laughs today when she asked two older boys if they had girlfriends, but at least she has stopped asking children if they have a cat (tienes un gato?). Although the language barrier is tough, I have learned that a smile or a hug is universal. Some children are all smiles when they walk through the door, and their friendly smiles truly warm my heart. Others are more reserved and frightened and I realize that God is asking me to show them love and compassion so they will be more at ease.
I signed up for this trip only knowing the other three pharmacy students and was not sure how we would fit into this team, but I could not be more pleased with the relationships I have made in the past few days. We have gone from barely knowing each others names to sharing clothes, blow dryers, socks, and mascara. Bryan spoke tonight after our devotion period about how well our group has gotten along and how much fun we have all had together and I was quickly reminded of one of my favorite quotes by C.S. Lewis.
"In friendship we think we have chosen our peers. In reality, a few years difference in the dates of our birth, a few more miles between certain houses, any of these chanced might have kept us apart. But for a Christian there are no chances. A secret master of ceremonies has been at work. The friendship is the instrument by which God reveals to each the beauty of others."-C.S. Lewis
I am so thankful for this team and all of the hard work everyone has put into every aspect of the mission this week. Without any single member, I am not sure how we would have functioned as successfully as we have this week.
By Maureen, 2nd year Pharmacy student
Hunter's Highlights
- 7:00-8:00- Wake up call
- 8:00-9:00- Bus ride
- 9:00-10:30- Fillings with Nick
- 10:30-12:30- Fillings with Laura
- 12:30-1:30ish- Lunch (mushroom gravy, chicken, and rice)
- 1:ish-3:??- Extractions with Corey
- 3:??-End of Clinic- Triage with Anne Marie
- End of Clinic-5:15- Bus ride
- Evening hours: 1)Trip to market to haggle, then pay full price when storekeepers "play the game." (Matt bought the ugliest alpaca sweater hoodie jacket ever) 2)Buffet dinner at Hilton Hotel. SO GOOD!! Menu included beef tongue, blood sausage and caramel shots with Matt. 3)Brent's devotional about discipleship.
- After the devotional- Bed
Ecuador-Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Photos of Clinic-Day 2
Ecuador-Tuesday, May 31, 2011
It is amazing what can be done when a group of people come together with a common goal. The last 24 hours were exhausting but with a little "shake and bake" we prevailed. If you walked into our clinic there weren't dental students, pharmacy student, and medical students working separately. There was just a single body of servants working for the Lord with a smile on their face.
Dental work today was priceless. Literally, I think I got more experience today than a whole month of dental school (a $6000 value). All morning I did injections in the "triage" area. Basically we would diagnose what treatment they needed and send them on their way. Lunch today was epic to say the least. Today was steak, avocados, potatoes, rice, & ice cream.
This afternoon was a small step for man but a huge leap for Blain Reynolds. When Dr Wilson asked me to go do some fillings I about soiled my only pair of underwear, but I jumped in there and got it done. (shake and bake) I did a few fillings before the big dogs (ie Dr Wilson and Dr Darren) had to jump in and speed things up. On a more serious note I did about 5 fillings this afternoon and it was a day I will never forget.
124, that's how many lives were changed today by our group. Maureen, Meghan, Lindsay, and Suzy thank you for being the first smiling faces the kids see. If it was me they would all run away. I thank God for this opportunity and the gifts that I can use to serve.
P.S. Delta please send our luggage & gear
By Blain, 3rd year Dental student
As the second day of the clinic began, I was feeling a little more prepared as I felt like I knew what to expect for the day. If there is one thing I should have learned on the other mission trips I've been on it is that you should never think you know how your day is going to turn out. By the end of our day I got the opportunity to print many, many pictures, clean dental instruments, and even clean teeth.
When Bryan asked me to write for today’s blog, I began to consider different aspects of the trip so far that have been funny, or awe-inspiring, or humbling, and already several different instances started coming to mind. From the breath-taking mountain views and the city that seems to literally never end, to the moments in the clinic or on the bus when everyone is laughing so hard at an off the wall comment someone says or something crazy that happened in clinic. But no matter what came to mind, it’s as if all I could see in my mind were faces. Because the people behind each of the faces I’ve seen this week are who have helped to make this trip one that I will never forget.
Some of the faces are of these amazing people I’m fortunate enough to work with each day. Bryan said earlier this week that he hasn’t seen a lazy bone yet in our group and I believe it. Everyone is willing to help and rotate positions in the clinic, even when it means just scrubbing blood off instruments for a while. We all share laughs and stories, but also continue to work hard and help out where needed, and the way the clinic has been flowing is a reflection of how well we work together. I’ve been fortunate enough to gain far more dental practice in two days than I ever expected before coming on the trip., including not only injections, but also drilling, extractions, and cleanings. The doctors and older dental students have been SO patient, even when I know I probably didn’t drill something perfectly, or they have to reposition the syringe yet again. Their patience only helps to show that they have huge hearts and desire for us younger students to gain knowledge and confidence, along with helping the people of Ecuador. Their current and future patients are very lucky, and I’m so thankful to have an entire week to learn from these men, and make stronger friendships with everyone on the team.
We’ve also been fortunate to have amazing translators helping us in the clinic for the past two days. I worked with a 22 yr. old named Daniella most of Monday morning at the tooth cleaning station, which is a GREAT station because the children aren’t scared of you; cleanings don’t hurt! Getting to know her story and talking with the other translators during the breaks has just given me a glimpse into some of the unbelievably huge hearts God is using here in Ecuador. It’s only the middle of the week, but I feel I’ve already made a lasting friend in Dani, and the pastors and community leaders we’ve met seem just as friendly, kind-hearted, and extremely generous.
Now I know this will probably seem cliché’, but the faces I will remember most are those of the children. I was reminded today that God planned in advance for each and every one of those children to walk through the door of the clinic, and it is not by chance. We may not know their circumstances or their backgrounds, but we are given the opportunity to use gifts given to us to minister to them, and if anything just show love to them for the brief time they are there. What an unbelievable opportunity! It may be the photo of themselves they get to take home, or the chance to sit and color for a while, or the tooth we saved them from losing, or even pain we helped take away, but no matter what that child takes away from the experience I hope they see the love of God through it somehow. Because listening to the Ecuadorian pastor on Sunday I realized that God truly is so much bigger than we know. He is here in Ecuador as much as he is in the US , and He knows the names of each of those children, and their circumstances, as well as their hearts. And He loves each person we pass on the street, see at the hotel, or meet in the clinic as much as He loves me.
I may not understand why we still don’t have luggage, or why God allows one person to be born in Ecuador, and others in places like America, but God has reminded me this week that He is bigger than any circumstance, or human plan, or human need. And His love is greater than I could ever know. So I look forward to sharing more stories and laughter with this fun and amazing group of people the rest of this week, but even more I look forward to seeing God in countless more faces.
By Anne Marie, 2nd year Dental student
Monday, May 30, 2011
Photos of Clinic-Day 1
