Mission Love Seeds, Grace build foundation for the future

Money and supplies donated in Destin made their way to the Philippines this summer.

Thanks to a grant from the Grace Foundation at Grace Lutheran Church, Mission Love Seeds was able to install a water purification system in the village of Galilee and hold three medical/dental clinics, treating approximately 570 patients with hundreds more showing up.

Completed in June 2008, the villagers in Galilee were so excited to receive a water purification system that they dug the trenches for it themselves.

“When the funds arrived in the Philippines, the trenches were ready,” Barbi Carroll, president of Mission Love Seeds, told The Log. “All that remained to do was lay the line, pour concrete foundation and set up the water tanks and purification system.”

The water system means there will be less sickness and healthier children. Families no longer have to walk three to four miles to get their water.

“It was a day of celebration with the children waiting in line to get water,” Carroll said. “The water purification system was blessed by mission’s Pastor Marvin.
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The first medical/dental clinic was held July 25 in the village of Admiral. Children and their families from the village of Dumpsite were bussed to Admiral for the clinic.

Two doctors were scheduled for the clinic, but due to emergencies they had to cancel. After much prayer between Carroll in Destin and Fely Zapanta, Mission coordinator in the Philippines, a letter was written to request a doctor from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in Manila.

Within hours, head doctor Editha Regalado replied that she would be there — but not alone. She would bring 13 other doctors and interns who would be willing to donate their time. All they asked for was transportation and lunch. Two nurses, two dentists and two dental assistants also came.

“How amazing,” Carroll said. “God did have a bigger plan.”

Doctors found that most of the children suffer from primary complex, which is caused by the tuberculosis bacteria. The kids were given antibiotics and over the counter medications. Many of the children also suffer from lung diseases and breathing problems associated with the families cooking on an open wood and charcoal fire in a 10-by-10-foot home.

Hundreds of teeth were pulled, with a dentist pulling 10 bad teeth from one man. Even though it costs only $8 to pull a tooth in the Philippines, people cannot afford to go to a dentist since most make less than a $1 a day.

Children and their parents were given toothbrushes and toothpaste and shown the proper way to brush and care for their teeth.

The second clinic, held Aug. 22, was for the villages of Galilee and Pantay. The clinic was held in an open sports area since their was no area large enough in either village.

Galilee is a new village Mission Love Seeds began helping in March, and doctors found many medical problems there.

“God provided a total of 17 doctors this time,” Carroll said. “Once again, doctors and interns from the UERM Hospital were there to help along with the two scheduled doctors.”

Most of the people from Galilee had never seen a dentist. The dental clinic was a huge success, and children and parents were given supplies for proper oral hygiene.

“Most people no longer have pain from their bad teeth,” Carroll said.

Also during this clinic, Jerome Lazaro, a 7-year old who suffers from cerebral palsy, received his new wheelchair from Mission Love Seeds.

The third medical/dental clinic was held in Binayuyo on Sept. 16, delayed one week due to a typhoon and flooding.

The 15 doctors found many children and adults were suffering from headaches, flu, colds and fever. Many also suffered the same breathing problems as the other villages, and they were given medication.

“Many children and adults needed teeth extracted, but because of the fever and colds, the dentists treated problems with medication,” Carroll said.

The partnership between Mission Love Seeds and The Grace Foundation of Destin is making it possible for the people of the villages to receive the medical and dental care they need.

“It is so amazing what the Lord does with the funds received from the Grace Foundation of Destin, and how He does exceedingly and abundantly more than what our imagination allows,” Carroll said. “Each dollar received seems to be multiplied as it is used to provide services for many.”

Each of the clinics ended with a huge plate of warm food for everyone, prayers and Bible verses to thank God for meeting the needs of the families living in poverty.

To make donations to Mission Love Seeds or for more information about their work in the Philippines and Mississippi, contact Carroll at (850) 865-1055 or her husband, John Hawbaker, vice-president, at (850) 865-6161.