‘Hope is on the Way’

Medical Teams International models faithful, effective and rapid response and restoration

By Michael Barrick

(Note: Please see the related articles, “A Transformational Experience: The role of volunteers in Medical Teams International” and “Step-by-Step to Success: Why Medical Teams International is so effective and efficient”)

On its website, Medical Teams International (MTI) declares, “Hope is on the Way.” It is hope provided through thoughtful, purposeful outreach programs – in which people are the center. The hope is revealed in MTI’s mission statement, “The mission of Medical Teams International is to demonstrate the love of Christ to people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world.”

It has been at it for nearly 30 years. Its experience is evident, as it is widely recognized as among the most efficient Christian Relief & Development ministries, providing its services with less than five percent of its budget going to operating overhead. Such efficiencies – recognized by the likes of MinistryWatch, Charity Navigator and Forbes magazine – help ensure program effectiveness as well. It also holds memberships in the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). So, even as the Oregon-based ministry meets basic human needs while sharing the hope of Jesus, they are being exemplary stewards, giving confidence to donors that money or supplies given to MTI are helping those who are among the world’s most impoverished and desperate.

MTI is working in more than 30 nations in five regions of the world, providing medical services and training, community health and development, emergency medical services, disaster response, humanitarian aid, mobile dental clinics and care for those suffering with HIV/AIDS. The ministry’s budget for 2007 was approximately $90 million. MIT President Bas Vanderzalm noted that such a huge outreach could not be accomplished without several key principles guide the ministry.

The role of volunteers underscores the fundamental objective of MTI to ensure all the ministry does is rooted in biblical principles. Mr. Vanderzalm shared, “Volunteers are key. We provide everyone who wants to serve with an opportunity to make a difference for the Kingdom by caring for the poor.” So, by utilizing volunteers to help fulfill its mission, MTI is helping to unify the Body of Christ and also provides opportunities for believers to use their talents while being blessed by those whom they serve. “Some plant, some water, and others see the harvest. Those of us in relief and development are doing that land clearing and cultivation that will result in the harvest,” he offered.

In short, even though these volunteer teams are composed of professionals who generally have time only for a “short-term” mission experience, the objective is to ensure a long-term impact. “Our teams are volunteer professionals,” noted Mr. Vanderzalm. “We recruit professional medical, dental and work teams who volunteer their time. Development teams cover their expenses and sometimes gather donated supplies for the hospitals and clinics where they serve.”

He acknowledged, “It is fair to ask, ‘What difference for the Kingdom can people make if they only go for a very short period of time, not knowing the language or culture?’ Well, our objective is to ensure that people have a long term impact. We have to design programs that engage local partners in a way consistent with their calling. For example, after Hurricane Katrina, we’ve worked within existing church structures. If it doesn’t occur within the context of a long-term commitment to a community, you can question the impact. Our task is to make sure that people who have a heart and have the call are effective. It’s a good thing to have a commitment, to go and see who gets the help. It is a transformational experience for all involved to pray together, to cry together. These experiences have great value in changing lives, in the individual, in the church that sends them, and the community they serve. It’s a personal connection between the person who is helping and the person who is being served.”

He noted also the establishment of a youth center in Uganda that is reaching out to youths using drama, sports and music to help combat HIV and AIDS.

He pointed to the development of Emergency Medical Services programs as evidence that the ministry is constantly learning. “We have established EMS programs in Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and Cambodia. For many developing countries, the lack of basic emergency medical services – no trained paramedics, ambulances or 911 systems – has meant millions of premature deaths annually.” He added, “Immediately following the tsunami in December 2004, Medical Teams International deployed medical volunteers to both Sri Lanka and Indonesia. From that disaster response more than three years ago, Medical Teams International has developed a country-wide emergency medical services program that is being adopted by the Sri Lankan government, its Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization/Sri Lanka. We’ve put a focus on the EMS infrastructure, including training for EMS first responders and providing resources such as books.”

So, he said, the ministry and all working with it must always be learning – and sharing the credit properly. “I don’t really care if people see our name or logo. I do care if they see God in action, through people who love Jesus and cared for them in His name.”

Quick Take on Medical Teams International

• Has a 5-star Ministry Efficiency Ranking from MinistryWatch
• Has received an Transparency Grade of “A” from MinistryWatch
• Received the 4-star Ranking from Charity Navigator for the fifth year in a row
• Provides free dental care annually valued at more than $5.3 million
• Has a ten-vehicle fleet of converted Winnebagos that provide dental care in Washington and Oregon through schools, social service agencies and churches
• Is using more than $100 million in donated medicines worldwide
• Is presently working in the U.S., Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Bolivia, Honduras, Romania, Sudan, Vietnam and other nations
• Partners internationally to develop sustainable relief and development programs
• Is accepting volunteers through its website

© The Barrick Report, 2008. Questions or comments? Write mbarrick@charter.net