A Farewell From Leanne

Dear Faithful Partners and Supporters,

After 30-plus years of ministry, I will be stepping down as Executive Director this summer. I have wholeheartedly loved my years of ministry with you, 20 of which were as full-time staff. If you don’t know my whole story, I actually started as a volunteer participant at the age of 12, joining a Vision Project to Mexico with my parents.

It was moving to experience the needs of others and work with a team of believers who met these needs in a tangible way. I saw the love of Christ in action long before I understood what it took to prepare the logistics for teams and to run an entire organization.

Reflecting back, the most exciting thing for me has been witnessing Health Centers established more than 20 years ago led by local doctors and administrators—not only continue to see patients—but thrive in their communities.

While I am sad to part ways with this remarkable community, I am certain that Medical Ministry International is well-positioned for the future. We have strong international partners and programs, a talented Executive Team and staff, and supportive participants and donors across Canada and the United States.

It has been my joy and privilege to lead this work for as long as I have. However, I believe God is calling me to continue serving Him in a new way.

More than anything, I feel grateful knowing that supporters like you will continue to answer the calling of Luke 9:2: to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. Thank you so much for being on this incredible journey with me.

In Him,

Falling in Love With Helping Others

How Project Teams Helped Shape Caroline’s Career

One trip can change the course of your entire life. That’s what happened to Caroline Munshaw! Her story begins with a Project Team she went on to the Dominican Republic with her parents in the twelfth grade.

“That experience changed my life,” Caroline remembers fondly. “When we got home, I spoke with my guidance counselor and she described the field of International Development. I decided to study it at the University of Guelph.”

It was in the Dominican that she learned about microfinancing—a way impoverished communities can take out small loans and start their own businesses. “I saw such strength in them and pride in their work and was convinced that microfinance was a dignified and empowering way to help people increase their incomes,” she recalls.

Not long after that, she started volunteering with Opportunity International Canada, a global microfinance charity and was later hired on as staff!

“I am now the Director of Philanthropy for Ontario. I love my job as I am part of something that is transforming lives every single day. And it all started with that trip with MMI 35 years ago!” says Caroline.

Recently, she decided it was time to revisit her roots and join a Project Team in the Dominican Republic once more. This time, lending a hand as a translator.

“My Spanish is much better than it was in the ‘80s!” says Caroline. “Being able to communicate directly with patients makes the experience that much richer. I loved that I could more effectively welcome patients, explain the process and answer their questions, and generally make them feel well cared for.”

On this trip, Caroline provided assistance taking blood pressure, weighing children, and talking to patients as they waited for medication, while her husband supported the surgical team.

She felt extremely moved by the opportunity to work closely with our partners on the ground; witnessing how lovingly Dominican doctors Dr. Juan Carlos Cado and Dr. Charline Toussaint provided excellent care to each and every person who came to the traveling clinic.

Today, Caroline wants anyone thinking about joining a Project Team to know this: “When you participate in programs that help others, when you get involved in a direct way, it changes YOU. I encourage everyone to participate on a Project—and take your children if you can! The impact on your lives will be beautiful!”

 

Want to get involved?

Meet Chris!

Chris Ferris has been serving as International Operations Director in our head office since 2020. He leads the Program Team and is involved in organizing Project Teams from start to finish. He runs the Human Resources department as well as manages the warehouse. He is also on the board of directors for Medical Ministry International Bolivia.

With the board’s approval, Chris has stepped in as the Interim Executive Director as of August 1 as they begin the process of hiring a new leader for the ministry.

A Long-Lasting Partnership

One of the partner organizations making an incredible difference is the Milagros Foundation. They collaborate in developing countries to provide scholarships, higher education and mentorship opportunities for young adults.

Executive Director of the Milagros Foundation, Scott Steele, was the Medical Ministry International Director of Donor Relations from 2004-2010. Since then, Scott has not only continued to support our programs, the foundation is now providing scholarships for students connected with our programs.

Currently, the Milagros Foundation is supporting 200 students through 30 charities in 25 countries with seven active students in Peru and nine in Bolivia. And they’re adding the Amazon region to their roster soon! With a graduation rate of over 80%, over 500 students have graduated since its inception in 1999.

Chris Ferris recently had the chance to travel with Scott and visit these programs in person, meeting the local students whose lives are being changed by this amazing long-term partnership! Donor support has been vital to the success of this work and has made a tremendous impact on students. It’s people like you who make stories like this possible.

Upcoming Projects

We’re excited about all the upcoming Project Teams we have slated for the fall. With your support, we’re creating lasting change through health care all around the globe! Here’s a snapshot of what’s on the calendar:

If you’re interested in supporting our programs or participating, please visit our website to learn more.