This newsletter is actually a December and January combo, so it will have more information than usual. We have information on Super Bowl squares, a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic, news from Haiti, updates from the Traveling Colonels, and much more.
Belated Holiday Wishes and a Message of Gratitude from the President of Medical Missionaries
Although this message is arriving a bit late, our sentiments remain the same. We hope the Holiday Season provided you with a chance to reflect on the importance of friends, family, and community, and to appreciate the complexities of our lives.
As we look back on the past year, we’re reminded of the blessings of living in the United States. We’re grateful for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy.
On behalf of our dedicated volunteers, we wish you a wonderful and reflective Holiday Season. As we move forward into 2025, we’re committed to continuing our mission of reaching out to those in need. With your ongoing support, we’ll be able to make an even greater impact in the lives of others.
Thank you for being part of our community, and we look forward to working together in the year ahead!
Super Bowl Squares. Philadelphia and Kansas City are in the big dance, but who will win? Will the team with more Super Bowl experience win? Will the team with the best running game? The answer is, both YOU and Medical Missionaries can win when you play Super Bowl Squares!
Donations Going Further
Do you know how what a Donor Advised Fund is? Do you want to control and maximize the money you donate, while at the same time be tax efficient (i.e. pay less taxes!!)? Medical Missionaries is organizing a one hour video call in March, with date and time to be determined. Send an email to info@medicalmissionaries.org, and we will add you to the interest list.
Haiti News
St. Joseph Clinic celebrated Christmas with a party for the staff. The party included food for the clinic staff, dancing by some of the family members, and presents.
The situation in Haiti remains dire, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. Gangs continue to exert control over most of the city, leaving Haitians feeling trapped and uncertain about their future. Even with the presence of the UN-supported Multinational Security Support Mission, led by Kenya, many Haitians have yet to see meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
While life is still difficult in Haiti, the security situation outside of Port-Au-Prince is less perilous. Gang activity is largely concentrated near the capital, allowing for some sense of normalcy in other areas.
St. Joseph Clinic has made significant progress in combating the cholera outbreak, successfully treating 11 patients since January. Unfortunately, a 4-year-old patient succumbed to the disease last week, highlighting the importance of timely medical intervention. According to the Haitian Ministry of Health (MSPP), the source of the outbreak has been traced to a contaminated well in Darlegrand, near the Thomassique area.
Container for Cameroon
Bamenda, Cameroon: On a cold December Saturday morning (27 degrees!) 10 volunteers gathered at our Manassas warehouse to load a 40 foot sea container.
The container will be sent to Bishop Nkea of Bamenda, Cameroon where he has built a hospital and medical school. The photos below show part of the process.
Medical Trip To The Dominican Republic
A medical team led by Dr. George Bazaco left the DC area on January 30th and are now in Banica, Dominican Republic providing healthcare through mobile medical clinics. The team will be in the DR through Feb 8th. They hope to provide healthcare for about 200 people daily. For the last two days, they are expected to be at Los Cacaos, a town on the border between the DR and Haiti.
Will be adding pictures of the trip in the coming days.
Traveling Colonels and Medical Missionaries
Ukraine: Retired Colonel Monte Dunard and the Traveling Colonels have worked with Medical Missionaries for the last year and a half. During that time Col. Dunard has given us numerous updates of the wonderful work he and his team have accomplished with the donations received from Medical Missionaries.
We’ve decided to dedicate a page on our website to the work of Col. Dunard and his team and how Medical Missionaries is making a meaningful contribution to that work.
Rocklick Food Pantry
Rocklick Food Pantry: We packed the trailer for the Grundy Rocklick Food Pantry on December 12th, and we were thrilled to receive substantial food donations from the United Methodist Church in Marshall, VA, and the Mt. Tabor community in Vienna, VA.On December 13th, Dr. George Bazaco and Greg delivered the trailer directly to Grundy, just in time for the Holiday Giving Event. This effort brought joy and essential support to those in need.
We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our community and welcome donations for the Rocklick Food Pantry throughout the year. Our next delivery to Grundy is slated for the coming weeks.
A heartfelt thank you to all who have visited our office and given so generously. Special appreciation goes to Michelle and John, who have already started shopping for Holiday 2025 – your enthusiasm and commitment are truly inspiring!
Community Outreach
We’re deeply grateful to have been invited to attend Sunday services at the Faith Christian Church & International Outreach Center in Warrenton, VA. This community has been a steadfast supporter of Medical Missionaries’ work for many years, and we’re thankful for their enduring commitment to our mission.
During the service, Dr. Irwin had the privilege of sharing a presentation showcasing the breadth of our projects and the impact of our work. We’re humbled by the generosity of the Faith Christian Church community and feel blessed to have them as part of our support network. Thank you for your kindness and ongoing support!
In Memoriam: Mary Sobczynski
Mary, a longtime Medical Missionaries volunteer, passed away and was buried following a Mass at St Andrew Church in Clifton, Va in late December. Dr. Irwin attended the services to express condolences on behalf of Medical Missionaries.
Mary was a beautiful and saintly woman who assisted Medical Missionaries with accounting, among other items. Mary was a true joy to work with and lived Medical Missionaries motto of helping the poorest of the poor.
May she Rest in Peace.
Local Donations
Local Donations: Our doors are open to collect or distribute in-person donations Monday thru Saturday, 8am to noon. After hours donations can be left or picked up in the white truck in front of the office. Every donation goes to someone in need.
Please consult our updated list of items we can accept. Any questions, call the office at 703-335-1800. It is helpful if we know you are coming!
In December, Medical Missionaries had 80 donors visit our office, and helped 30 clients.
