A Message From Leanne

This fall, I had the opportunity to attend a missions conference and reflect on Jesus’s commands in Luke 9:2 to heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of God.

These two themes are at the heart of Medical Ministry International’s programs around the world. And fulfilling this calling is only possible thanks to help from our amazing community of supporters—and that includes YOU!

We are also thrilled to see a growing number of churches seeking out partnerships with us. Together, we are sharing the light of Jesus around the world, providing essential health care and empowering locals to serve their own people. 

It’s all about creating long-lasting, transformational change—everywhere we go.

If your church is interested in financially adopting one of our international programs, or sending members out to serve on a Project Team, please reach out. I’d love to hear from you! Your support transforms lives, and we are ever grateful for your support.

In Him,

From the Banks of the Putumayo River

Field Update from the Amazon

On July 9th, Medical Ministry International Amazon began construction on Maü Ipata or House of Life, our new three story, full-service hospital boat. 

By the time wet season arrives, construction will be complete and flooding will take Maü Ipata into the river for her first service journey. 

Right now, more than 280 Indigenous communities in the Amazon region do not have access to basic health care—many of these communities are completely isolated, accessible only by boat.

In the past, Medical Ministry International Amazon was able to offer primary care, dental care, nutrition, and vision screenings. Now, with a fully equipped operating room, doctors and nurses can perform life-saving ambulatory surgery including ophthalmology services.

Constructing this boat has been no small feat!

The first step was preparing a large parcel of land at the river’s edge—the shipyard where the hull would be built. All of the base frames were measured, cut, and covered with an epoxy base paint. Then, began the most labour-intensive part of the entire build…

Workers measured, cut and welded massive steel plates to make up the compartments of the hull. One plate alone weighed about 400kg, taking up to eight men to move!

Now, with the frame in place, Maü Ipata stands at 118 feet long, 30 feet wide. She will be outfitted with two 250-horsepower diesel engines, and will have the capacity to transport more than 160 tons of relief supplies!

The hospital boat will also be equipped with generators, solar power, and eco-friendly water treatment for drinking water and wastewater.

“This boat will be a game changer in the way health care is provided in the most remote villages of the Amazon. They will finally have access to top quality health care, especially for their eyes,” exclaims one local health care official.

We are nearly there, but still need help to get this boat ready before the water rises! If you are interested in helping get Maü Ipata, you can help here!

Together, we can bless many lives through health care and share Jesus’ light. Join us to extend real love to the people of the Amazon!

Inspired by a Legend…

How Melody Found Her Way to Peru

“I first found out about Medical Ministry International when I was a student at Redeemer University.

There was a funeral service being held for Dr. Jerilee Nyman, an optometrist who had served with Medical Ministry International many times, all over the world. I was running the sound equipment at the service that day…

I remember it so clearly. Sitting in the sound booth, listening to Dr. Nyman’s friends and family tell her story—her incredible life of service made a big impact on me. That’s what inspired me to apply to serve on a Vision Care Project team with Medical Ministry International.

In July 2022, I embarked on a 2-week trip to Arequipa, Peru, offering my talents and skills in service, but also gaining valuable experience in the field of optometry and vision care. It was truly an amazing and unique experience!

Right now, I’m working on my undergraduate degree in health sciences. Next, I hope to become an optometrist through the University of Waterloo.

It was an opportunity that taught me so much. I can’t wait to go back someday—maybe I’ll be able to return as a volunteer optometrist!” —Melody, Project Team Participant

Thank You for an Amazing Fall Season!

Your Generosity is Changing Lives

This fall, we were overwhelmed by the generous outpouring of support in response to Juan’s story, shared recently in a letter from Leanne Ferris.

You might remember reading about Juan, a man from a small village in Colombia. He had developed a rare autoimmune disorder that caused extremely painful blisters on his skin. He had no access to proper treatment, and as a result, could not work—or even leave his house. 

Thanks to people like you, we were able to provide medicine and accessible health care for patients like Juan.

Medical Ministry International visited Juan’s village. After a consultation, Juan received an ample supply of medicine to manage his condition. He couldn’t be more grateful.

“I feel so much better. I can leave the house again!”—Juan

Our local team is on the ground in the Amazon, delivering packages of medicine to more people like Juan—complete with special shipping labels and notes of encouragement sent in by generous supporters like you!

THANK YOU for improving people’s lives by bringing health care within reach!

Your Christmas Gift Guide is HERE!

The 2022 Christmas Gift Guide is now available! 

This year, you’ll notice we’ve expanded our Gift Guide to give you a huge variety of giving options. Each gift, big or small, will impact people around the world who desperately need accessible health care. 

You can see our Gift Guide here to pick out a meaningful gift that will provide health care for lasting change to people across the globe.

This christmas, when you give in someone’s name, you can send an eCard to let them know you’ve given a gift on their behalf.

Please join us in this season of giving by supporting life-changing care, emergency relief, and spiritual support for those in need around the world.