Asian Relief Medical Services Philippines Mission Report 2018
2018 was a banner year for A.R.M.S. in Kalibo, Philippines. There were seven local municipalities (schools), in which to serve and preparations were made well in advance. The team was one of our largest ever at 105 volunteers, including doctors, dentists, nurses, evangelists, pastors and others. The people came from around the world to join the mission: Okinawa (Japan), America, Australia, Philippines and other locations. We set up seven stations at each clinic for the Filipino people to go through. Our main purpose was to tell people the good news of Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings. The team was not only concerned about spiritual needs but wanted to show the compassion of God for the physical needs as well.
The stations were set up in the following order:
- Registration
- Evangelism
- Vitals
- Triage
- Medical
- Dental
- Pharmacy
- Healing prayer
Every year we are amazed at the staggering amount of people that come out to receive medical treatment. It gives greater meaning to Matthew 14:14, “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” We served a total of 4,746 people. Of those registered, 3,657 people were given medical attention and many minor surgeries, 1,059 people were given dental attention and 3,923 made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We prayed for thousands of people to receive healing.
In the prayer and healing room we saw some remarkable healings and miracles this year. People who were blind received their sight again! Those with crippling arthritis who could walk again! Our records showed that we prayed for 3,152 of which 559 were confirmed miraculous healings. Most felt better after we prayed for high blood pressure, nausea, arthritis, back pain and headaches. The presence and anointing of Jesus was strong in the room. One young lady came in with serious asthma and was healed while walking to the chair to receive prayer. She declared, “I’m healed”, as we looked at each other with amazement.
At every site there were hundreds of people waiting in long lines for many hours to be seen. The Filipino people were so gracious and thankful; they always had a smile on their face. We did over 100+ surgeries consisting of sebaceous cysts, lipoma cysts and large skin tags. There were people seen by the doctors with issues like tuberculosis, flu, high blood pressure, asthma, cough/colds, irregular heartbeat, strep throat, bleeding ulcers and infected wounds.
We were exhausted at the end of each day, however, the camaraderie and stories amongst the team members gave strength and inspiration for the next day. For those who have not experienced this type of mission, it is life-changing as you see the heart and love of God for other people and the world!