In the heart of Lima, Peru, a church plant blossomed in the backyard of a home in the community of Magdalena. Initially, the congregation was small, but a turning point came when the church hosted a medical clinic for residents. This act of kindness and compassion brought about a significant transformation.
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A team of volunteer medical professionals from the U.S., including pharmacists, nurses, a physical therapist and nurse practitioners, traveled to Lima to provide medical care to those in need. Over the course of four days, the team saw 561 patients and witnessed 17 professions of faith, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Exemplifying love
International Mission Board missionary Mary Sell served as a coordinator of the medical clinic. She and her husband, Charlie, have served in Peru for 11 years and were instrumental in developing the church plant and helping it grow in Magdalena with a Peruvian pastor.
“I must have heard 20 times, ‘I feel loved and seen,’” Sell said, describing the experience of serving at the clinic. “It was the perfect opportunity to explain the love of Jesus.”
The clinic catered to a diverse group of patients, including elderly individuals and Venezuelan refugees who lack access to medical care. The clinic was scheduled for four days in Magdalena and for two days in Jesus Maria, an area where the church is seeking to plant another church. Community officials shut down the small clinic in Jesus Maria after the first day because of complaints from a homeowners’ association about the true purpose of the clinic.
However, this setback was seen as a positive response. Shutting down the clinic led to a growing interest in the church’s efforts. The clinic continued in Magdalena, and many people from Jesus Maria traveled there for medical attention.
The clinic’s impact extended beyond physical healing, as seeds of the gospel were sown. The following Sunday, 10 people attended the church service, and one person joined a Bible study. Two individuals have since made professions of faith in Christ.
Impact
A woman named Leonora experienced a profound impact from her interactions with the clinic and the church.
Despite facing physical challenges, including being confined to a wheelchair and struggling with her health, Leonora has found a sense of community and support. She has publicly expressed her gratitude for the love and care she has received, and as a result, has become a faithful member of the church.
Both church members and medical team members worked together at the clinic, learning the value of listening to those in need and opening doors to gospel conversations. Simon, a member of the medical team, provided eye exams and distributed more than 300 pairs of eyeglasses. He prayed with many patients and shared his testimony.
Raquel, a church member, served as a translator for one of the doctors. She was encouraged by the clinic’s ability to open doors to spiritual conversations, noting that the doctor was intentional about sharing personal stories and ensuring everyone had an opportunity to share theirs.
Another team member, Rebekah, witnessed a poignant moment when an elderly woman expressed her gratitude, saying, “I just can’t believe that people would come all the way from the U.S. to take care of me. You just can’t put a price on that. Thank you so much, and God bless you!” For Rebekah, someone simply being present had a profound impact.
The church plant in Magdalena continues to grow and thrive with regular Sunday morning worship services and Sunday School for children. Bible study meets regularly on Wednesday nights, and youth meet one Saturday a month. The church plant holds other services, including a monthly women’s discipleship, and Mary said they are helping women through a trauma healing ministry.
IMB healthcare missions continue to have an impact across the world, both in short-term and full-time commitments. Healthcare missions has access to the unreached in circumstances other mission work cannot reach. As proven in Peru, healthcare missions can enlighten communities about church plants and established ministries, revealing the great work God is doing through missionaries and national Christian partners.
Visit imb.org/healthcare to connect with IMB’s Global Health Strategies team about missions service and prayer opportunities.
People are invited to attend MedAdvance 2025 Aug. 21-23, in Raleigh, North Carolina. The conference features opportunities to network with healthcare field workers and to hear about work and needs in every area of the world. For more information and to register, visit imb.org/medadvance.
Registration deadline is Aug. 3.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Chris Doyle and originally published by the International Mission Board.
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