The Heavy Black Box W “May I Tell You a Story?” BY DICK DUERKSEN
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June 2022 AdventistWorld.org
hat’s in the box?” It’s a question every international traveler fears, especially when it comes from a customs officer who is pointing at your most treasured possession. You listen, rehearse your carefully planned answer, and speak with a smile. “This, sir, is a portable dental clinic that we’ll be using to deliver free dental care in remote communities around your country.” “A what?” That’s the usual response. No one believes that their aching tooth can be cared for by whatever is in this black box. “Open it.” You’re ready for the request, and you carefully move the box to “right side up,” insert the key into the lock, twist to the right, lift the lid, and wait for words of amazement. “Really? All the instruments are here? And a dental chair, too? Free dental care? How can this be? Why would you do this?” It’s a conversation Randy and Marta Meyer have had with customs officials
in Madagascar, Zambia, Mongolia, Peru, Micronesia, and now in Argentina. It’s a conversation they enjoy and pray about often. The men and women who work at the airport customs offices are serious about protecting their country, about keeping bad things out, and charging the right taxes on the good things people bring with them. *** With the pandemic settling down a bit, this year Randy and Marta chose to go on a vacation to visit their son in Argentina. Manfred moved there several years ago, planning to complete his business degree at River Plate Adventist University. “He fell in love with the people and decided to stay forever!” Marta laughs. “After completing his degree, he got some experience working as general manager in a store. Later he decided to set up his own store, and he’s been very successful.” Manfred is much more than a successful store owner. He’s also an evangelist who has learned how to use free dental clinics to share the gospel of God’s love. When his parents decided to come visit him in Argentina, he told them to be sure to bring one of the heavy black boxes, “like the ones we used in Africa.” “Manfred has gone with us to Africa to serve people in Zambia and Malawi, so he’s familiar with our mission work,” says Randy. “What’s happening there is quite amazing. The clinic in Zambia now has three full-time dentists. One is from France, and the other two are from the Philippines. They have two of the heavy black boxes and are operating for six hours a day under mango trees in Images: Dick Duerksen
