Guyana Report 2013 by FMBC

On April 4, 2013, the Wednesday after Easter, twenty missionaries from Charlotte, NC, USA arrived in Georgetown, Guyana to be of service to the residents of the Long Creek Community. This team of medical professionals consists of two Medical doctors, one Dentist, an Optometrist, an Optician, Registered nurses, and others are from the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC pastored by Rev. Clifford Jones. They, as is their custom about every two years, returned to provide medical, visual, and dental care to residents of the Long Creek Community at the Carlyle Miller Clinic. Carl Graves marvels at the beauty of the country and the attitude of the people. "They are so warm and friendly and I look forward to returning every time." Carl is impressed with the genuine and pleasant personalities of the people he has met. Dr. Tanya Hudson, a first timer, wasn't sure what to expect, but she and Dr. Kevin and Mrs. Randi Lopez-‐Shirley, also first timers, was energized upon arrival. "The people of Guyana are so appreciative of the things we do-‐ not like the US where so many things are taken for granted," one said and the others echoed. Between the two medical doctors and their assistants, they saw about 100 patients per day. Kim Flanders and her sister Martay Monroe, second timers, are two volunteers who could not wait to join the group because of the sense of gratefulness that emanates from the Guyanese people. As they work in the medical clinic, Kim, a registered nurse, appreciates the chance to give back. In the dental clinic, Dr. Rod Warren heard about the Friendship church's every two year sojourn to this beautiful country. He called Dr. Gwyn Davis, the Global Missions Coordinator of Friendship Church and asked to be included. "I not only wanted to be of service but I wanted to visit Guyana; I did both in one visit. I'm planning a return visit in two years." His assistants, Brandi and Ashley Smith, are really enjoying the opportunity to be of service. They do many procedures which include filling teeth, extractions, making dentures while seeing 35-‐40 patients per day. Greg Smith, the owner of a dental lab in Charlotte is finishing his third trip to Guyana. He mentioned that the smiles, especially after receiving dentures, is infectious and makes his day. He leaves the clinic everyday with the sense of accomplishment. The Eye Care team consists of eight members which is led by Dr. Raleigh and Thelmetia Bynum. Other members include Marvan and Bertha Pettiford, Willie and Ellen Milton, Walter Burke, and Cynthia Torrence. They brought with them 2400 pairs of eyeglasses, 500 pairs of reader/glasses, sunglasses and eye drops to give to the Guyanese. They also bring a hand-‐held auto refractor (computer to examine eyes) and other ancillary equipment. The patients of Long Creek are usually waiting and are eager to be seen. After the paperwork to check their vision, patients are evaluated by an autorefractor which generates a prescription in about 30 seconds per eye. The inventory of 2400 pairs of various prescription glasses, including reading glasses and sunglasses, is searched to find a match for the patient. Those patients with medical eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts and ptyerigium are referred to local specialists. Christ said, "As you do unto those who are in need or the least among you, you do unto Me." While in conversation with an individual who needed a tooth extracted at a cost of 25,000 Guyanese dollars, Marvan Pettiford was moved with compassion for the person based on the income earned by the man. It would have required him to work three weeks to afford having the tooth extracted. To be able to provide this service at the clinic is a blessing which we are delighted and thankful to offer. Dr. Clifford A. Jones, Senior Minister at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, along with Rev. Michelle Jones accompanied the group and led religious workshops and nightly revivals. Rev. Brenda Harewood, Superintendant of Guyana Missionary Baptist Church, is the coordinator of this mission. Submitted by Dr. Raleigh Bynum