EMAS assists a Christian medical missions organization called Agape as they go to the “Ends of the earth” to share God's love. They provide primary medical and dental care to the needy in very remote areas of Russia. Medical professionals are needed on these mission teams.

 

April 2010

Kostroma Oblast

During the Agape medical expedition to Kostroma, we visited villages south of Kadyy. As the team gathered at Belaya Dacha, we began with an orientation, centred on the Word, and a praise and worship service. After dinner we headed off to the train station where we took an overnight train to Kostroma Oblast to care for remote villagers, physically and spiritually. We first went to the Social Rehabilitation Centre for Minors, a shelter for children ages up to 18 who can stay for up to six months. The goal is to reunite them with their families, if possible; but sadly, alcohol abuse and violence often make this impossible. The children often suffer from foetal alcohol syndrome and have so many unmet needs. There are about 30 orphans living here, which we examined.

We then visited the Archbishop of Kostroma. Father Oleg accompanied us. We had the privilege to meet with the archbishop privately and we received his blessing on our work. Although people in many Russian villages claim to be Christians, they often bring with them their pagan practices and need a strong Christian influence and teaching.

Stolpina Cultural Centre

We held our first program at the Stolpina Cultural Centre, next door to the church. Many churches in the outlying areas are in much need of repair and have no heat or electricity. Most homes in this area have outhouses, no running water and are heated with wood burning stoves. Bruce set up his eyeglass outreach ministry in the auditorium of the cultural centre. Dr. Wilhelmina and Reilya set up in the library, where they were able to do some simple blood and urine tests.

Kurdyum

The next village we visited was Kurdyum. There, we set up in the local "Country Club" to consult with patients. There is a school adjacent to the club. Currently, there are three first graders and three fourth graders. Sixty years ago, there were 30,000 inhabitants in this area. Now there are only 2,000. Some villagers have not seen a doctor in 50 years. There is no assistive devices program to help seniors with things such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs. Each person is on his or her own to find whatever stick will work.

Lubyany Cultural Centre

We also visited the cultural centre in Lubyany, where we treated villagers and gave out health kits, eyeglasses and lenses. We kept people in the waiting room occupied with a movie telling about God's love for everyone.

Conclusion

And of course you can't have an Agape expedition without getting stuck at least once. As the snow melts, some of the dirt roads look like rivers and become impassable. By God's grace, we accomplished our mission and answered His call to "Go forth and spread the Gospel." It was an honour and a privilege to serve our Lord and those in need in this remote area of Russia. If the Lord leads you to join us on an expedition, don't hesitate to contact me. It is an amazing way to share God's love and the blessings that He has given us.

May the joy of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ be yours!

 

October, 2007

Agape was started in 1992, by Dr. Bill Becknell. Their aim is to go to the “Ends of the earth” to share God's love by providing primary medical and dental care to the needy in very remote areas of Russia. These missions require doctors, dentists, nurses, medical technologists and lay people.

It has been very fulfilling to see the appreciation of the people, in these remote areas, to the care and love that the medical team brings to them. It is also very inspiring to see churches, with such limited resources, reaching out to share the love of Jesus Christ and to encourage people to come to a personal relationship with Him. The medical teams provide encouragement and opportunities for these churches as they move out to plant new churches.

Blessings of Agape love,

Dr. Bill Etzkorn

www.agaperu.org/going/expeditions