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Free Methodist Medical Fellowship
Founded 1960
TABprn 2004
Joel and Janette Miller
have
accepted appointment as Free Methodist Missionaries to Mexico. They
will partner with the Free Methodist Church of Mexico to open a medical
clinic in Mexico City. Mexico City is the third largest city in
the
world with a population of twenty-two million.
The Millers are presently living in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, where they
are doing language study. Joel and Janette are receiving support from
MedSend to service their medical school loans. FMMF is a supporting
member of this important ministry, which helps young physicians with
medical school debts to become active in medical missions early in
their careers. FMMF also maintains the Walters Endowment which assists
physicians and dentists who may not qualify
for MedSend support.
LOOKING BACK TO CONSULTATION 2003
THE CHURCH AS A HEALING COMMUNITY
DR. BROWN ADDRESSES THE CONSULTATION
Dr. Arthur Brown challenged us with the fact that we live in
a broken world. We as a church have opportunities to reach out
to people with ministries that touch the whole person.
Accordingly, Free Methodist World Missions is committed to
sending missionaries who will provide medical care in places of
unmet need. (The Millers are a part of this initiative.)
THE BIBLICAL CALL TO HEALING
Dr. Stephen Mott described how the Church is motivated to be
compassionate and reach out to those with physical needs. This is not a
means to an end, rather dressing the Gospel with
compassion. Health also suggests that we address the issues of
social injustice. The Church's attention to healing recognizes that the
individual's body is the real person's link to the outside, Physical
world.
We are eternally important to God our creator, both in our celebrations
and suffering. .
PARISH NURSING PUTS COMPASSION INTO ACTION
The Church through Parish Nursing addresses the needs of its members
and neighbors. "Perspectives on the Church and Healing" were given by
Linda
Workentin and Miriam Olver. Linda discussed how illness has been a call
to the church to care and pray. It has given Christians the
opportunity
to give of themselves to others. Miriam challenged doctors and nurses
to
enter into the conversations of their patients. To do so requires that
we
listen and learn their language.
Janice Hurley, a psychiatric nurse, described the celebration of
recovery realized through a church-based 12-steps recovery group. This
process of healing challenges those in recovery to
learn what God has to say when we are in broken spirits. Some are not
ready to enter into this spiritual journey. Others are able to say, "I
never thought my painful past would lead to such
a rewarding now."
NORMAN WETTERAU COMMITTED TO COMBATING SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Dr. Wetterau has seen the impact of substance abuse on his patients and
in his community. He has come to understand how even children are
involved with drugs and alcohol. He argues that "safe" drinking is
possible but not common. The issues facing the church include:
» Helping those with problems
» Prevention of substance abuse
» Understanding how the community is impacted
» Being aware how uncontrolled advertising impacts our young
people and adults
In a word, the church community can be involved and
should be involved in addressing this issue.
JOHN PATRICK TO ADDRESS CONSULTATION
2004
Dr. Patrick is a compelling speaker who is well known to a wide circle
of CMDA members and associates. He has addressed the Fellowship in the
past. His topic for 2004 will be "The Sermon
on the Mount Helps Us Understand Mount Calvary." John always challenges
us to go deeper in our understanding of and living out our Christian
faith. You will not want to miss Consultation
2004.
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July 2004