medicine for all people medicine for all people

In many parts of the world, children die every day from what here in the United States would be diseases that could be treated and cured with a few cents’ worth of medicine. But where there is despair, there is also hope — thanks to the compassion of MAP supporters.

This special-edition newsletter highlights firsthand accounts from medical mission teams that have gone into the world, equipped with essential MAP medicine and health supplies, to follow in Christ’s footsteps and minister to those who would otherwise be forgotten. It is through their eyes and in their own words you can read the impact that MAP International supporters have made in the lives of millions of people. providers, medicines and supplies that IAM has delivered from MAP, and form medical brigades to serve these indigenous tribes. “Although our teams face many difficult and challenging situations, we count it a great privilege to be able to serve others and provide care to those who rarely, if ever, receive any medical aid,” says Rick Johnson, Director of IAM.

But most of all, this newsletter is dedicated to you — an unsung hero in this fight — for being instrumental in helping MAP bring health and hope in Jesus’ name to all corners of the globe.

Little 17-month-old Leissa Pierre was suffering. She had battled a fever and flu-like symptoms for four days before her mother was able to get her to the pediatric clinic run by a MAP partner. Her mother arrived at the clinic desperate for someone – anyone –who could help her child. She was worried sick, and unable to sleep at night, terrified to leave Leissa’s side, even for a bit of rest.

Venezuela is a country in crisis. Their once prosperous economy has been destroyed, political corruption and upheaval have left the government unstable and ineffective, and poverty is rampant.

According to Caritas Venezuela, a third of all Venezuelans suffer from food insecurity, and child malnutrition increased 26% in the four months leading up to March 2020. Since then, the problem has only grown in severity.

When the doctor examined Leissa, her little lungs were crackling with each breath. She was diagnosed with pneumonia – the second largest cause of death in children under the age of five in Haiti, where Leissa lives.

But Leissa was fortunate. In a country like Haiti, where many children die of pneumonia simply because there is a lack of available treatment for the disease, she found hope. The clinic where her mother sought help was able to offer her the antibiotics that would save her life. Thanks to MAP medicines, little Leissa did not become a terrible statistic. Instead, she left the clinic with medicines and hope, and returned one week later, healed and whole.

“We are very grateful for the donors of MAP International,” the partner representative said. “As it is by their continued support that we can together make a difference in the Haitian people’s lives. Endless thanks for all that you do.”

Venezuelan families, particularly those who live in more rural areas, are unable to afford food or medical care, and many are suffering, with no relief in sight.

International Action Ministries (IAM), a MAP partner who supports the year-round work of missionaries in Venezuela, is doing their part to address some of the medical needs of indigenous communities living in outlying tribal villages.

Twice a year, the churches in eastern Venezuela take volunteer medical

On a recent trip upriver, the medical teams focused on a particular group of indigenous communities that were suffering from rampant illnesses and serious infections. “Our teams were saddened by the high number of cases of malnourished children,” Johnson reports. The number of children who came in desperately ill because their families could not find enough food for them was heartbreaking.

Using MAP medicines, the team treated these children, along with many other patients who were suffering from respiratory infections, parasites, and skin infections. The teams provided treatment for roughly 1500 people during their trip.

“Hundreds of lives have been impacted and in many cases, lives saved, through these medical outreach programs,” Johnson says. “We are eternally grateful for each individual who makes this possible. Your efforts have brought help, relief, healing, love, and care to communities that would not have this blessing without this wonderful team that God has put together.

“Thank you, MAP team, for all your work which continues to directly impact, bless, and help many suffering individuals. We are grateful for each of the MAP team and thank God for your lives.”