MAPLINE | June 2023 | Medical Ambassadors Philippines Inc.

MAPLINE BRINGING HOPE

CREATING IMPACT THAT LASTS

by: Architect Rene Bajit, MAP Board Chairman

These past 3 years have done our land and the entire world many changes. It also tells us that man is helpless when confronted with a power invisible to the human eye A power like a bad wind which can never be seen but can be felt. The virus is neither seen nor felt, which made people on earth hide in fear Looking back at the world's history, and the eras when the past viruses (bubonic plague, SARS, etc.) resulted in millions of deaths worldwide, it made us think, “why does God allow things like this?”

But at the same time, it makes us look back and review the instructions he first revealed to our forefathers at the time of Noah If humans only observe and follow God’s instructions, this would never happen After the flood, God gave a list of instructions on what food to eat, and not to eat If we connect this to science, it is a complete and perfect guide for health and the avoidance of epidemics caused by viruses and other pathogens When we completely obey and trust God, we are assured He responds to our pleas and prayers for provision, safety, and hope in time of need

The phase returning to the “old normal” where we can move freely, laugh freely, eat freely anywhere, talk freely, is slowly beckoning The Lord says in

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose ” This made us realize there are many good things that came out after the pandemic. Earth has breathed and for a period, the skies cleared, the smog vanished, and somehow, I guess, the CO2 in the atmosphere has thinned. In our campus here in Nueva Ecija, the row of plants struggling to grow have bloomed and revitalized I saw more butterflies and bees, and I think this is true in other parts of the globe. Man became united, cooperative, and looked up to God, altogether We realized man is hopeless, facing an unseen force Churches became energized, too.

In MAP, we were not fazed with such threat, and were instead able to help encourage urbanites to put their faith in God, when we reached out to more than 100,000 in the project “Mask for Every Juan” No one ever got infected penetrating the congested and infected areas. We were able to hold seminars and meetings via zoom a new mode of communication, a product of the pandemic God enabled us to benefit from technology. And someday, all through this technology the world will see Jesus Christ come again, in Jerusalem, as Lord and Mighty God

We became stronger in our faith and commitment after the past event It made us realize that God can allow good outcomes in every situation, that God has a purpose in those dire events It made us very excited to move again, cross the seas, travel the lands, to see our people They await us the feet that bring hope and the Good News!

Dr Jun and Arch Rene Bajit in a minor surgery outreach in the Visayas region, in partnership with Faith Bible Church of Vallejo, last February

pg 2: A Joyful Challenge, by Pastor Mark Terre pg. 4: A Dentist's Reflection: Operation Samaria 2023, by Beulah Grace Barte-Parong DMD

Staff in Palawan, managing a child with pneumonia, using a portable nebulizer during Operation Samaria 2023

A Joyful Challenge A Joyful Challenge

by Pastor Mark Terre

someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? Truly, “how beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News to reach more” I know God’s heart is for these people. He wants us believers to reach these people for Him because He is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2Pet 3:9b)

Luke 10:2 says,” The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, ask the Lord of the Harvest to send workers into the harvest field ”

I thank God for the opportunity to be with Operation Samaria last April 18-22 in Balabac, Barangay Sebaring The seminar on using scripture in storytelling and conversation was very useful. My Balabac experience was an eye-opener on the need for workers in God's vineyard I also felt the need for more financial support for our workers in the field

Balabac is a very beautiful place, rich in natural resources, and inhabited by different people groups and tribes, with different languages, cultures, and beliefs They are beautiful, but they need Christ I feel a strong compassion for them, for I know the consequences of not having a relationship with Christ, and Romans 10:14,15 says, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without

Muni-muni sa Balabac Muni-muni sa Balabac

Lagpas alas-singko ng hapon na nang makarating ang OS Team B sa sentro ng Balabac Galing kami sa katimugan ng isla upang serbisyuhan ang dalawang barangay na malayo sa bayan Mga dalawang oras din ang aming binyahe papuntang Balabac District Hospital, ang aming homebase

Nang malapit na kami sa ospital, sinalubong kami ng magagandang kulay ng dapit-hapon, gayundin ng masamang balita ng isang karambola ng mga motor at tricycle lulan ng mga kabataan; na ilan sa kanila ay nasa kritikal na kalagayan

Ang mga pasyente ay nalapatan naman ng paunang lunas, ngunit kinakailangang mailipat ang apat na kritikal sa mga malalaking ospital sa Mainland Palawan upang ma-operahan. Kahit may surihano kaming kasama, hindi kumpleto sa gamit ang nasabing ospital

Ang nakakalungkot na sitwasyon, bukod sa mahabang byahe at tawid-dagat na gagawin ng mga ambulansya, walang ospital na gustong tumanggap ng mga referral dahil walang naiwang Orthopedic sa panahong iyon. Kahit hirap na hirap sa signal, walang patid na pagtawag at pakiusap ang mga doktor ng ospital para mailipat ang mga pasyente sa mas kumpletong pasilidad hanggang sila ay ma-operahan Nasabi ko na lang sa sarili ko na lakasan na lang talaga ng loob ang tumira sa probinsya Hindi tulad sa Maynila, kahit ma-trapik,

meron at merong ospital kang mapupuntahan na kumpleto sa gamit at sa healthcare workers

Nakakataranta na yung kwento, ano? Pero sa totoo lang mas maraming tao pa ang nasa kritikal na kalagayan sa mga lugar na ito pagdating sa espiritwal na kalagayan At katulad ng mga ospital sa probinsiya, kulang na kulang rin sa spiritual healthcare workers (missionaries) dito at ang mga “serbisyong espiritwal” ay iginagapang din ng ating mga misyonaryo.

Sa pagtatapos ng sulating ito, inaanyayahan ko kayo na samahan kami sa pananalangin at sa pagsuporta ng ating mga misyonero Idalangin natin sa Panginoon na mabilisan nang makaabot sa kaduluhan ng ating mundo ang Kanyang

Salita

Lucas 10:2 (Magandang Balita Biblia)

Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Napakarami ng aanihin ngunit kakaunti ang mga mag-aani

Idalangin ninyo sa May-ari ng aanihin na magpadala siya ng mga mag-aani Sa gitna ng ospital ng Balabac, may hardin, kung saan ang MAP team ay nanghingi ng mirakulo mula sa Panginoon Idinalangin namin na ang mga kabataang ito ay maranasan ang kapangyarihan ng ating Diyos. Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto, isa-isa nang tinanggap ang mga referral ng mga pasyente sa mga ospital Purihin si Yahweh

Healthcare outreach in the district hospital

This is my fervent prayer: that God may continue to use me as an instrument for the Good News to reach more.

ni Dr. Em Jimena

Pastor Mark with Nurse Cris and son Ben-ben

Translated in English:

It was around 5 in the afternoon when the Operation Samaria mission Team B arrived at the Balabac Town Proper, after rendering medical and dental services to the 2 barangays in the southern part of the island. It was a 2-hour ride to Balabac District Hospital, our homebase

As we approached the hospital, we were awed by the beautiful colors of sunset But sadly, we also received news of young people injured and some in critical state as a result of a multiple-vehicle accident.

Those with minor injuries were examined and given care at the hospital Those who were critical and with major fractures were stabilized but needed to be transferred to tertiary hospitals in Mainland Palawan

Apart from the difficulty of the arduous journey, none of the hospitals contacted were able to receive the patient referrals. Even with very poor cellphone signal in the area, the doctors did not cease in calling different hospitals, pleading for the patients to be transferred to a better facility

I realized that it really takes a lot of courage to live outside the cities. In Metro Manila, even if there is a lot of traffic, you can still find a hospital with more complete facilities and a good

number of specialists These far-flung communities are lacking in many ways.

Does this story make you feel unsettled? The truth is, there are more people living in a critical state in these areas when it comes to their position before God and their future in eternity

Like the hospitals in the provinces, spiritual healthcare workers (missionaries) outside the cities are very few and their resources are very low.

As I finish writing this trip’s reflection, may I invite you to join us in praying for more workers in the field? Would you continue to support the Lord’s work through them? Let us pray that the Word of the Lord will get to the least reached and unreached swiftly, so the end may come

Luke 10:2 KJV, Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest

There was no other way to experience the impossible except through God’s miraculous work We prayed that the patients would experience the power of our God True enough, all patients that needed to be transferred were able to travel and were admitted. PRAISE GOD!

Check up in a barangay

Dump truck as the roving team’s transfer vehicle

Dr. Marianne and Dr. Loi managing the vehicular accident patients in the ER of the district hospital of Balabac

After returning home from the mission field in Palawan, it wasn’t long before I found myself being used by God to help others through my profession. It was my 2nd time joining this MAP mission trip and again, I felt motivated and refreshed. It also seems like God is working through my hands to provide services like teeth extraction and promotion of good oral health God has given me the eyes to realize how blessed I am and to serve God and the community in Palawan in return

When you help someone, you get a positive feeling in return. The community you've helped also feels good. This creates a strong sense of belonging and connection between the two of you

Romans 12:13 says “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” This tells us that God wants us to take the blessings we have received and share them with others who we encounter, especially those who are in need

A Dentist’s Reflection: Operation Samaria 2023

by Beulah Grace Barte-Parong, DMD

As followers of Christ, we should be examples of God’s Word and help others in the community find their way to Christ. Jesus was an advocate for helping people from all walks of life It did not matter to Him whether you were rich or poor He constantly reached out to those who were in need And I think that is the true meaning of Christian Mission

Story of a MAP Sponsored Student

The Student Sponsorship Program (formerly FOM Scholars) aims not only to help students in their studies but also to grow with their faith in God So we make sure that the students are properly endorsed to a church that will take care of their spiritual life We also regularly follow them up with calls and messages (MAP has 4 scholars at the moment: 2 from Ifugao, 2 from Aurora, Quezon)

One of our sponsored students is Billy James Anawis, a youth leader and member of our Worship team here at GNOI Church-Laur in Nueva Ecija Currently a 1st year college student at the University of Cordillera pursuing a BS in Computer Science, he is a proud Igorot now reaching his fellow Igorot for Christ

He testifies, “I thank God that even though studying is difficult, I can do my studies well and am able to balance studying and serving God ” After witnessing the suicide of a youth at the Baguio overpass, he said "Believers shouldn't be relaxed now, because the enemy is more aggressive in attacking the young generation " BJ has been involved in street evangelism, reaching out to his fellow Igorot for Christ. He had an opportunity to share the Gospel with several youth skaters at Rose Garden in Baguio, and served as a counselor in one of their camps where the campers were gangsters

by Criselda Terre, RN

Dr Grace (blue uniform) & Dr Joanne doing tooth extraction

Singawan, Aurora & Singawan, Aurora & Laur, Nueva Ecija Laur, Nueva Ecija Ministries Ministries

Praise God, that through storytelling we were able to start evangelism and discipleship in Laur. Praying to integrate storytelling in Sitio Health Workers' refresher training in Singawan.

Please pray for:

Protection and good health

Good weather

Preparation for Antipolo visit this first week of June

Preparation for Singawan program evaluation this last week of June

Wholistic preparation for the workers and volunteers here

Bangon Ministry, Mindoro with Bangon Ministry, Mindoro with MCTV (Ministry of Christ The True MCTV (Ministry of Christ The True Vine) & Sinag Coffee Roastery Vine) & Sinag Coffee Roastery

Please pray:

For wisdom for Pastor Iting and Ate Nenita for a strong marriage and good team work in the ministry

For members of the church, that they will deepen their faith and trust in God

For opportunities for livelihood programs among the Bangon That leaders will rise up from the church members to help in the ministry

For upcoming UECP mission trip in July 2023

For wisdom for Ptr Iting and team as they translate the Bible into the Bangon language with Wycliffe

For wholistic preparation for the MAP workers and volunteers here

South Palawan South Palawan Partnership Ministry Partnership Ministry

Praise God for:

The last Operation Samaria in the area, with 22 volunteers, reaching 4 barangays with 500 patients who were also prayed for Blossoming partnerships in the community

The recent storytelling training for discipleship and house fellowships in the community

Please pray:

For more leaders to be mentored and discipled to the fourth generation and beyond in the communities

For resources and financial support-raising for the long-term program implementation in the area, focusing on students for wholistic care to be reached this year

For wholistic preparation for the MAP workers and volunteers here

by: Criselda Terre, RN

by Paul Bañas, RN

by Precious Melad, MD

Pray for new ministry opportunities, and community assessment in the Dumagat community in Antipolo. Pray for volunteers for MAP

PRAY PRAY GIVE GIVE LLEARN EARN GO GO

1 Recommitment of our old and current partners, donors, churches, individuals and like-minded organizations to continue supporting MAP’s ministry and workers through prayers and donations in various forms Pray as well for new partners and donors

2. Wisdom and availability of the Management Core being the overseers of MAP’s program Pray for the Board of Trustees, their active commitment and involvement in the MAP ministry. Pray for additional BOT members called by the Lord. Wisdom to review the Constitution and By-Laws and Vision/Mission of MAP, if still relevant

3. Additional staff or volunteers called by the Lord for these areas and the national office Full-time or Part-time field workers/volunteers (MDs, Nurses, Dentists, Social Workers, Teachers, Pastors, Bible Graduates) to go to:

Mindoro - Bangon Tribe

Palawan - Molbog Tribe

Antipolo – Dumagat Tribe

Aguinaldo – Ifugao Tribe

Old stations - Need to monitor also

4. Primary Health Care Coordinator/Admin.

5 Training Coordinator

6. Budget for Year 2023 – Stewardship and wisdom for the management of funds, priority and cost effectiveness of the program

7. Strengthening of the Promotion Program to be led by Dr. Eliseo Garcia (along with Management Core) in the Philippines and Mr Laci Sarmiento (Medical Missions Phils.) in the USA.