Going to another state or nation to find a missions field is not always necessary. More often than not, Christians — wherever they happen to be at any particular moment — can find themselves standing right in the middle of one.
Such was the experience of those who established a medical ministry in Marshall County.
“We were discussing a possible missions trip to a Latin American country,” explained Charles Woods, a member of First Baptist Church, Albertville. “We discovered that we had a missions field here in Marshall County. More than 5,000 Hispanics work in our area.” Thus, the Great Physician Clinic of Marshall Baptist Association was born out of a realization that a missions opportunity truly can be on the next corner.
After one-and-a-half years of praying, planning and preparation, the clinic opened March 6, 2002. During the first year, more than 700 people were treated. The clinic is housed at First, Albertville. Woods, who is the clinic director, said treatment is provided to those who have no insurance coverage and fall in certain income levels.
“The dental clinic is where we discovered the greatest need,” noted Woods. “And we have to turn people away each Friday because we cannot see them all.”
The medical clinic meets on Thursday nights from 5:30 to 9 and the dental clinic meets on Friday mornings from 7:30 to noon.
Jim Hoy, a member of First, Albertville, is a forester by trade. But he has also been a volunteer at the dental clinic once or twice a month since its inception. “Some people we have helped needed us more than just to relieve their pain,” Hoy said. “One lady told us she believed God gave her husband a toothache, so they could meet us and be ministered to in other ways.”
Hoy said he assists by filling out charts, general paperwork and assists the clients by ministering, counseling or just praying with them. “I’m really proud to be a lay person volunteer,” he added.
The Great Physician Clinic has seen several professions of faith, according to reports, and other patients have attended churches in the area as a result of their contact with the ministry. “To our surprise, we have treated mostly our Caucasian community,” said Woods. “Our Hispanics are covered through their jobs. However, we have more Hispanics coming in now.”
More than $25,000 worth of medical and dental equipment has been donated to the clinic. Much of the medicine is samples given by area doctors, Woods said. Enough money has been donated to the clinic to buy supplies and help patients with their prescriptions.
The Marshall Association pays malpractice insurance and makes sure the clinic complies with OSHA requirements.
“Our Scripture theme is found in Luke 9:2: ‘And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick,’” Woods stated. “Our mission is (this): In the spirit of service to others and believing in the worth of all people as created by God, the Marshall Baptist Great Physician Clinic seeks to share the love and message of Jesus Christ, through providing medical and dental care to people in need.”
The clinic employs two part-time people and is manned by 83 volunteers, including five doctors, eight dentists, 16 dental hygienists and 14 nurses, explained Woods. Teams are set up on a rotating basis. An expanding referral network also has been established representing several denominations.
Dr. Michael Williamson, a dentist, helped coordinate the dental clinic and enlisted most of the dentists and hygienists. Dental supplies are ordered through his office.
A local pharmacy, Hewett Drugs, procures medicines in bulk at cost so the physicians can fill prescriptions.
“We are still growing and developing new ideas and methods to help us reach more people,” Woods said. “This is and has been a ministry from and for the Lord. That is the secret of our success.”
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