Preparation
We just returned from an incredible week in Canton, OH where we spoke to multiple groups about going into service for others. It reminds me each time that many are not aware of the preparation it takes to leave your comfort zone and go and serve others. The great news is the hardest part is to just do it! The transition is really not that hard as long as you remember the golden rule of serving in an underdeveloped country.
The number one rule when going to serve others is to be FLEXIBLE. Flexibility is a must as you are entering an unfamiliar culture, the tools that you have available to you may be slightly different than what you are used to. You will still be able to get the job done, but you should not expect that the world you left will be waiting for you in the community you seek to serve. Many medical professionals at first are shocked when they don’t have something that allows them to just “push a button”. It’s actually one of the best things most learn and that is to get back to the basics and remember that it is all about the patient. Personal service takes the place of multiple charts, filling out forms in triplicate, etc. and the volunteer actually gets to know the people you serve. Those that go to bless others, end up being the one blessed!
Yes, the teams have supplies and materials that are necessary to do the job, but in many cases they may not necessarily be exactly like home. At first you hear this and think, that may not be good. Actually, it’s just the opposite as our teams have a chance to go back to the basics and treat many situations and illness that no longer cause concern in the western world, but to those we serve, can be life threatening. One the best parts of service to me is the total lack of entitlement that the patients show. They would give you the shirt off their back just to say “Thank You!”. Of course we don’t want anything, but it truly reveals God’s love in action and soon you come to realize the benefit of helping those that have all but lost hope. Jesus told us to seek out the meek, the poor, etc. and when you do, He blesses you more than you can ever imagine.
In preparation for leaving your comfort zone and joining us in service, get your mind right. Relax, the MMI Team will take care of all the details and all we ask is that you come with a great attitude, ready to bring God’s love to those we serve. You will be blessed beyond belief and find that serving others is really not that hard, and yet the impact on you will be even greater than the love you bring others. It’s a wonderful new life that awaits you, what are you waiting for? Join us!