February 25, 2005

Next Trip - possibly to Yucatan, Mexico with IMA: 

 I have been asked to consider a trip to Valladolid , Yucatan , Mexico sometime soon with International Medical Assistance (www.ima-missions.org) for a medical missions trip and to visit a new hospital / clinic / warehouse being built by Dr. Roberto Rodriguez.  This good friend – a general surgeon, wants me to see this facility and organization so I can be better able to mobilize some medical professionals to his work and country.  Your financial support will help to make this possible.  

 

FROM FEB TRIP TO HAITI:

January 15, 2005

Dear Friends,  

Greetings from Ron Lively, Executive Director of Medical Mobilizers and Christian Wellness Association.  I hope you are doing well in this new year.  Personally, I am camping out in Galatians 5:16-26 this year as I resolve to live by the Spirit, be led by the Spirit and sow to the work of the Spirit.  Thus the reason for this special email.  (I will be sending my monthly Update soon). 

The purpose of this communication is to share with you the exciting news that I am stepping out in faith to participate in a strategic medical missions trip to Haiti in early February.  I leave on February 5th and will return on February 12th.  I am writing you to ask for your pledge of prayer and financial support for my participation in this specific missions trip.

I was pleased to share our booth at the recent Global Missions Health Conference in Louisville with the ministry – Friend Ships.  Most of you have read my comments in recent Updates about this ministry.  You can go read these Updates on our web site at www.MedicalMobilizers.org   It is exciting to be coaching a lady from Louisville who is going on this trip.  Lynne is a member of Southeast Christian Church, the host of this annual medical missions conference.  This will be her first medical missions trip.  I would appreciate your prayers for her trip and that her support will be pledged quickly. 

In my role as a medical missions coach, Dr. Ty Hopkins, medical director of Friend Ships, invited me to participate on the second week of their two week trip to Haiti .  We concluded that the exposure would be valuable to the ongoing work of helping them build a disaster relief team – a group of people who will be ready to go when the next disaster comes. You can find more specific information about this ministry on the web at www.friendships.org.   I am finishing up the book titled Jesus & Company, which is the true story of the development of the Friend Ships ministry.  I strongly encourage you to get this book.  I think you have to order it from them.   Your faith will be strengthened as you read story after story of the unique ways God miraculously provided for them – not just in the small things but even with huge ships just right for the need.   

As soon as I get more funding, I will book my flight from Nashville via Miami to Port-au-Prince , Haiti . (Cost is about $600 so your quick response is needed.)  I will be joining a team of other health care professionals for the last half of this two week medical relief and disaster response in Haiti . We will be meeting with the FS staff who will be arriving there later this month to provide spiritual, physical and emotional relief to some of the disaster victims. I will be serving in whatever way needed including support of the staff as we minister to the Haitian people.  

Dr. Ty Hopkins, medical director of Friend Ships, writes -

"Friend Ships is a relief organization committed to advancing God’s kingdom and meeting the needs of the hungry and homeless. Our medical department is devoted to medical relief and disaster response. In times of natural disaster, there are great needs spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Our goal is to meet these needs with the resources God provides.  We partner with local churches in the disaster area to minister to and disciple those we serve. We set up a mobile medical unit, a mobile food-service unit, temporary housing, and a large tent complex for ministry. Real ministry happens. Real needs are met. People move closer to Jesus. This is what it's all about. In September, hurricane Ivan forced its way though the Caribbean and made landfall on the Gulf Coast . Friend Ships responded as soon as possible with emergency relief and personnel in Pensacola, Florida . While we were in Pensacola , hurricane Jeanne struck Haiti , a country already suffering greatly.  There is great need in Haiti right now and God is calling us to go meet the needs of His children and share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Friend Ships vessel, Spirit of Grace, will sail to Port-au-Prince , Haiti in mid-January. With the help of volunteer doctors, nurses and others we will offer free medical clinics from January 29 to February 12, 2005. We provide all transportation, lodging, and meals. One simply needs to get there and bring a servant’s heart."

Please understand that Haiti is a country in great turmoil. The United States Bureau of Consular Affairs urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Haiti at this time due to the volatile security situation. Friend Ships will do their best to create a secure environment but cannot guarantee complete safety. They recommend making this mission only if you feel the Lord is calling you to make this trip.  I have had to renew my passport and secure about $200 of necessary shots. 

We will see a lot of poverty, brokenness, bondage, and pain.  With other like minded servants we will be doing the work of bringing hope, healing, resources (fire trucks, food, clothing, medicinces, etc.) freedom and the love of Christ to a lost world. A recent report from the United Nations Development Program described health care in Haiti as nearly catastrophic. One of every three deaths in Haiti is that of a child. With most people earning less than $1 a day, many do without medicine. Death during childbirth is the second leading cause of death among women, H.I.V. rates are climbing, and tuberculosis is common.  We are going with a mission to be of help to these people made in the image of God.

My total expenses will be approximately $1,500.  A number of you have contributed about $500.  Any funds given above what is needed will go to our Medical Missions Fund to help others called to this kind of service.    

Will you please offer your prayer support?  I know that some of you might not be able to give funds, but please consider praying for me, as well as for the safety and effectiveness of the entire mission team.  Your prayer support is essential.  Will some of you please participate on our team as financial donors?  That too is essential for the success of this mission trip.  Your financial gifts made payable to Medical Mobilizers will provide the support to cover my expenses.  You will receive a tax receipt for you gift.  Please mail your gift made payable to Medical Mobilizers to   P.O. Box 682385 , Franklin , TN     37068 .  Mark your donation for Ron Lively – Haiti .  Thank you.

Because of the love of Christ,  
Ron Lively - Executive Director
www.MedicalMobilizers.org
www.ChristianWellness.org
615-238-4035