Brazil Medical Mission 2002

	Our 2002 Medical mission to Brazil was another great experience. A group of 12 from BRCC treated over 1200 patients for basic health needs. The purpose was to support the outreach efforts of our Community churches in NE Brazil.
	The most common problems in third world countries (including most of rural Brazil) are intestinal worms, skin infections, scabies, and untreated hypertension and diabetes. We also saw lots of the usual respiratory infections, allergies, and ear infections.
	Keeping enough medicine in stock was quite a challenge, and required counting up supplies at the end of each day. Steve Turner had to make runs to countless pharmacies each day.  Right: Pastor Ricardo entering his church in Guadalajara. Our clinic was held in a house under construction right across the street.
	The real life-saving treatment was happening in the churches: Teams from Alcance Brasil presented the Gospel in an appealing way. It was amazing how the people watched with complete attention in the stifling heat. (It's winter there--they were comfortable!) They cheered and clapped and wanted to here more when the presentations were finished. Many had never heard the name of Jesus before!
	Despite the hard work, there was no suffering (other than cold showers!) I must say, they fed us like kings! Lunch is the big meal in Brazil, and they do it up big. Right: A remarkable young man named Roberto. He gave up his business (designing web pages) for a week to help interpret for the medical clinics. Awesome. God will do something great with him!