by MARIA BRADSHAW
THEY DIDN’T PERFORM ANY MIRACLES but a group of doctors, pastors and missionary workers from New York tended to the sick and needy in St Vincent for the past ten days, providing them with medicine for both the body and soul.
They treated over 500 patients with various ailments and diseases giving them free medication which they may have otherwise not been able to afford.
Doctors Nick Yates and Luther Robinson, both paediatricians, were among the group of 17 who went back to Buffalo, New York yesterday, satisfied that their mission had been very successful.
“All that we do, we do to the glory of God,” Dr Robinson said, when a SUNDAY SUN team caught up with them at Grantley Adams International Airport, where they were awaiting a flight out.
He explained that the group which comprised five doctors was formed from various churches in Buffalo and had come together for the mission to St Vincent which was planned by Pastor Tommy McClan.
He said the pastor had been visiting St Vincent since 2007 and decided to take a group of doctors on a medical mission to treat and provide medical care and advise for the sick.
“Our mission was distinct in the sense that the work that we do we do to the glory of God,” said an excited Dr Yates.
He explained that unlike other medical missions they did not place any charges for their treatment nor for the medication.
“We gave them pain killers, anti-biotics, plasters, bandages, eye-glasses and dental treatment on the spot. We provided care to about 567 families including children and adults – they were people who would not have been able to afford a doctor and we tried to provide them with the necessary education about their illnesses.”
The doctors said they were able to get the medication donated from companies in the United States and at one point thought that they would not have enough to dispense.
But said Dr Robinson, they prayed and put their trust in God.
“As we thought about going to St Vincent we knew there were many people in need of medical care and we knew that we could not meet the challenges by ourselves, and yet on Friday we had things left over that we could just leave with the people and it just goes to show that this is all a walk of faith and for that we give God the glory. As Proverbs 3:56 says: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight!
The group is making plans to return to St Vincent but said they would also like to carry out their medical missions in other Caribbean countries.
