Written By Jemma Tañada, Volunteer Writer, Operation Blessing Philippines
Operation Blessing (OB) together with the Microfinance and Health Protection Programs among Microfinance in the Philippines joined hand-in-hand on the 8th day of August in conducting a Medical Mission that benefited 620 people of Barangay Sto. Cristo, Angeles City Pampanga.
Continuing in giving and inspiring change, the medical mission started with an opening prayer led by Pastor Edwin Basa, OB Coordinating Pastor, followed by opening remarks from the Executive Director of Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Incorporated (KMBI), Ms. Concepcion Parantar.
KMBI hosted the medical mission while the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), a microfinance company, was the secretary of the said event. Operation Blessing staff and volunteers, church partners including Pastors, representatives of the microfinance companies and personnel of barangay Sto. Cristo comprised the personnel of the event.
The medical mission was divided into three stations; Medical, Dental and Optical stations. Each section has its personnel that assist people for the step-by-step process, to wit;
1. At the reception area, they provide forms to be given by the doctors before patients/beneficiaries have their checkups.
2. Before having their check-ups, patients will go to the counseling area where volunteers from different church partners present the Word of God. It is good for a man to have a healthy body but the most important thing for a man is to be saved and know God.
3. After being counseled, they will now proceed to the doctors and have their check-ups.
4. Lastly, they get the medicine prescribed by the doctors at the pharmacy area. Also, the event caters to kid’s needs through medical check-ups and the presentation of the Word of God through the Superbook screening led by the OB staff.
The entire medical mission helped a total of 620 beneficiaries through giving medical check-ups; medicines; gifts for babies, and most importantly their spiritual needs both for the adult and kids through the Word of God.
A total of 127 souls received Christ as their God and personal Savior through this mission. This event would not be possible without the help of sponsors, church partners, volunteers and most importantly God who is the center of everything we do, for without Him, we can do nothing.
The mission concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Greggy Canha, Mission Coordinator Overall, followed by a closing prayer led by Mr. Harry Dalanon, Director Finance and Accounting Department, KMBI.