Joseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer
THE ROLLINGTON Town Seventh-day Adventist Church is hosting free health screening exercises, running from July 15-26 as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations.
The Adventist administration has invited a team of 18 students from Walla, Walla College in Washington, U.S.A. to administer free medical services. Exercises will include blood pressure checks, eye, dental and other treatments, from their base at the Vineyard Town Golden Age Home off Dineary Road in Kingston.
Dr. Pedrito Maynard-Reid, professor of theology and vice-president of missions at the college is supervising the team. He told Volunteer Today that the college is a mission-based institution that makes 'community service' a priority on its agenda.
Dr.Reid added that since he joined the college's staff in 1989, it has been an annual occasion for students to travel to at least one country as volunteers. We have volunteered as medical practitioners in countries such as Thailand and Ghana, he confirmed.
The students who accompanied me on this mission epitomise the spirit of volunteerism. "They have sourced travel expenses and the cost of their stay in Jamaica from their own accounts. Those who were short on cash appealed to the business community around Washington for sponsorship," Dr. Reid explained.
DISCOMFORTS
Roeun Eang, student, said she was always willing to make the journey to Jamaica, adding, that she knows the discomforts that result from scarce health care being a Cambodian citizen. She added that an opportunity to serve others is a gift.
Thanks to Laura Jacobs and Heather Hatch, students, all basic medical equipment were sourced. The nurses said they contacted numerous medical institutions in Portland, Oregon, the location of the college's nursing department. Both students said it was of their own initiative that they campaigned for equipment, adding that they take pride in giving efficient community service.
In addition to free medical, students of Theology from the college are teaching children from communities surrounding the Rollington Town SDA Church lessons from the Bible.
David Bernard, age nine said he never knew much about the Bible before now. However, he said he enjoys the daily lessons about Bible stories and history.
