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Brgy, Philippines -- Two-year-old Jun-Jun lay stiff in his mother's arms. Cerebral palsy riddled his body. Knowing he couldn't be helped, his mother had come to Operation Blessing Philippines' temporary medical clinic in search of treatment for herself. However, when volunteer Dr. Liza Alcantara walked by and noticed the child was suffering from other symptoms, it soon became an emergency!
After taking a closer look at Jun-Juan and asking questions, it was determined he had been suffering from a dangerously high fever for several days. He was also severely dehydrated. Volunteer nurse Mylene Mangalindan gave the toddler a sponge bath to help bring the fever down. Several blood tests were taken. He was also hooked up to an IV bag which pumped liquid nutrients into his little body. Soon the blood tests revealed Jun-Jun had a severe infection. Dr. Alcantara recommended immediate hospitalization. The child wouldn't have lived through the day if it hadn't been for the quick action of the Operation Blessing Philippine's team!
Fifty-five volunteers and three staff journeyed to Jun-Jon's small village of Brgy on that June 27th day. Located in the Sitio Hillside, steep terrain surrounds the rural area where 1,500 families live. Phone lines are non existent and the majority survive as squatters scavenging, selling food in vending style, or trying to find work as laborers. With malnutrition rampant among the children and no health center or hospital nearby, Dr. Kim Pascual knew it would be a perfect place to hold a 1-day clinic.
Compassionate. Warm. Dedicated. These are just a few words that best describe Dr. Pascual. She first began volunteering on medical missions in 1995, then became a part of Operartion Blessing Philippine staff in 1997. "She helps lead our team in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to the people of the Philippines and the rest of Asia through humanitarian outreaches," comments OBI 's Rose Barrientos. "These are people groups and communities living in rural areas whose physical and spiritual needs have not been met. Medical care is a tangible way for these people to see the love of our Lord."
Operation Blessing's COO Bill Horan was "blown away by the volunteer's passion" when observing the clinic at Brgy. Venturing into the coloring tent, the lone American found himself in a sea of children making colorful creations while waiting for their parents. He listened to them chatter in their dialect. Even though Mr. Horan couldn't understand what they were saying, he felt their real need in his heart. The need to help the helpless.
Operation Blessing Philippines began conducting numerous medical missions since 1995. As of August 2002, forty-one medical clinics have taken place just this year! Clinics range from one to ten days and are held all over Asia. Generally four staff and twenty medical and non medical volunteers make up the team. Filipinos in need can receive free health education, medical, optical and dental care, physical therapy advice, as well as haircuts and other humanitarian aid during missions. Not only does a strong volunteer team accomplish this, but working with local leaders adds a long term dynamic. Through teaching local church leaders and other organizations how to execute an organized medical clinic, OBI empowers them to help their communities.
Communities such as Brgy. In addition to providing over 550 medical services in one day, the team gifted 380 Brgy children school supplies and 250 families groceries! It's not hard to see why this small team are heroes.
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