| . |
| "May God bless you to be a blessing!" |
| Helping others gain access to appropriate medical care. |
| Linking: Caribbean, USA, & E Europe |
| St Sampson the Hospitable Mission |
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St. Sampson the Hospital Medical Mission Trip to Haiti (2010)
Mar 3 - arrival in Haiti - toured devastation of Port Au Prince - played with children at
Salvation Army Clinic. stayed in Port Au Prince.
Mar 4 - picked up defibrillator - headed to Fond Des Negres Bethel Clinic - taught 25
nurses/physicians BLS - CPR / part 1 ACLS/PALS - stay in Hotel
Mar 5 - taught ACLS/PALS - pt presents with symptomatic uncontrolled AFib rate
>290. Physician chooses to hold (likely a bit nervous over new found skill) on
cardioversion. - Here on stay with Ezehs
Mar 6 - pt worsens - team guides and assists physician through cardioversion.
Shock 1 works pt is awake and up a few hours later. Earl/Jose teach additional
auxillary (LPN) nurses CPR. Common to cases such as this, pt later worsens and
requires second cardioversion that night - team assists again.
Mar 7 - Dr Humphreys preaches at AM service at Salvation Army in Fond Des
Negres / Rick preaches PM service at Aquin Salv Army
Mar 8 - Follow physicians in clinic, tour compound, and complete ACLS/PALS. - last
night staying with Ezehs
Mar 9 - Head to remote mountain town Lasille to provide care. Rick and Bunny hand
out toys. Earl photodocuments. Dr Humphreys treats some patients. Team returns to
Port Au Prince - stays in hotel.
Mar 10 - final tour of downtown Port Au Prince devastation.
To those of you who asked, the Ezehs are a wonderful family. Who fed and gave us
the comforts of home while we stayed in theirs. They are commissioned officers of
the Salvation Army (pastors) and have a great, lively son - Matthew.
There are three things we all recall that will eternally be etched in our memories.
The TOTAL devastation and inexcusable poverty. The joy and life of the Haitian
people despite their circumstance. And, finally, the kind and compassionate
Christian fortitude exemplified by the Ezeh's and the Salvation Army.
Mar 3 - arrival in Haiti - toured devastation of Port Au Prince - played with children at
Salvation Army Clinic. stayed in Port Au Prince.
Mar 4 - picked up defibrillator - headed to Fond Des Negres Bethel Clinic - taught 25
nurses/physicians BLS - CPR / part 1 ACLS/PALS - stay in Hotel
Mar 5 - taught ACLS/PALS - pt presents with symptomatic uncontrolled AFib rate
>290. Physician chooses to hold (likely a bit nervous over new found skill) on
cardioversion. - Here on stay with Ezehs
Mar 6 - pt worsens - team guides and assists physician through cardioversion.
Shock 1 works pt is awake and up a few hours later. Earl/Jose teach additional
auxillary (LPN) nurses CPR. Common to cases such as this, pt later worsens and
requires second cardioversion that night - team assists again.
Mar 7 - Dr Humphreys preaches at AM service at Salvation Army in Fond Des
Negres / Rick preaches PM service at Aquin Salv Army
Mar 8 - Follow physicians in clinic, tour compound, and complete ACLS/PALS. - last
night staying with Ezehs
Mar 9 - Head to remote mountain town Lasille to provide care. Rick and Bunny hand
out toys. Earl photodocuments. Dr Humphreys treats some patients. Team returns to
Port Au Prince - stays in hotel.
Mar 10 - final tour of downtown Port Au Prince devastation.
To those of you who asked, the Ezehs are a wonderful family. Who fed and gave us
the comforts of home while we stayed in theirs. They are commissioned officers of
the Salvation Army (pastors) and have a great, lively son - Matthew.
There are three things we all recall that will eternally be etched in our memories.
The TOTAL devastation and inexcusable poverty. The joy and life of the Haitian
people despite their circumstance. And, finally, the kind and compassionate
Christian fortitude exemplified by the Ezeh's and the Salvation Army.
Needed: We're already planning for our next trip!!!
Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Allied Health Personnel,
Students...all willing to serve! Also in need of financial
assistance - to offset costs, medication, and medical
supplies.
Contact: Email
Unfortunately, at this time we do not have financial assistance for those
desiring to accompany us. However, we will make every effort to assist
you in your endeavors to raise the funds you'll need for this most
important journey of hope.
Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Allied Health Personnel,
Students...all willing to serve! Also in need of financial
assistance - to offset costs, medication, and medical
supplies.
Contact: Email
Unfortunately, at this time we do not have financial assistance for those
desiring to accompany us. However, we will make every effort to assist
you in your endeavors to raise the funds you'll need for this most
important journey of hope.
To Guyana with Love
By Rev. Dr. J. V. A. Humphreys, MD, FICPS
Executive Director: St. Sampson the Hospitable Missions
Ordained Minister of Religion
Physician and Missionary
Memoires de Guyana: (8th – 29th August, 2010)
Introduction: Missionary work can be extremely challenging. It garners every fiber of strength and will, that one can
muster to cope with its complexities. We all have grown accustomed to the many niceties that life has to offer.
Surrendering all of these for the plain life on a mission field is neither easy nor welcoming, however, a greater
good is envisioned and one MUST forge ahead relentlessly.
My mission trips to Haiti (post earthquake) and Ukraine were challenging, but each had its high points and each is
unique in the challenges and the personal gratification that is gleaned. Even, the feeding program I established in
Antigua (my home) has its challenges. My mission trip to Guyana was both challenging and enjoyable. There is
nothing like the lustrous scenery and forestry, the early morning outside baths, bathing in the Corentyne River with
the silhouette of Suriname shadowing behind, the exotic creatures, the frequent power outages that last for hours
and sometimes days, the little child tapping you on the shoulder from behind and staring you in the eye while
awaiting pocket change, drinking coconut water in the early mornings, the indigenous fruits and dishes (padu,
parasad, dholl and rice, coca belly fish, smoke hassa fish, Laruna fish, silver fish, basha fish, psedyum, koowa,
palouri, iguana and sous (made from the facial skin of the cow)), river fishing, the squawking parrots flying in
unison and observing varied “nations of people” working together as one nation. It is quite humbling.
Leaving Antigua for this South American plain was easier than most missions as I had my family with me for the first
time on a mission trip. I was also armed with my Blackberry with global access which makes life so much easier. I
am no stranger to Guyana having been married to a national for almost ten years, however many adjustments had
to be made as customs and traditions are different. It is not my first trip to South America but on missions each
experience is new and instructive.
Donations and Team Efforts: Toys were donated by our mission group St. Sampson the Hospitable Missions and
Rev. Rick and Bunny McFarland and Guardian Angels Catholic Church (USA). Funding for this trip was from my
clinic, Optimum Health Clinic Ltd situated at Belmont Medical & Surgical Centre (Antigua). Special thanks to Rev.
Ricky McFarland, Bunny McFarland, Gaylon Humphreys, Rev. Sue Ringler, Joy Menezes, Candacie Ramrattan &
Premchand Persaud.
Leisure and Preparations: My first few nights in Timehri were enjoyable. Nothing beats the outdoor, nature
dominant life I experienced there. Rest, a former stranger to me, had become a close companion for the first few
nights; this, despite the almost 20 family members cramped into a small room.
A few days into the trip we journeyed into the capital (Georgetown) to conduct some business. It was challenging,
especially the task of getting around. The taxi drivers must have been pleased that day. Great care had to be
taken while in transit in the town as there is always the potential of being robbed. We visited family and friends in
Sousdyke and across East Coast Demerara River to Crank, Vreed-en-Hoop where my wife’s father lives. I met that
side of the family for the first time. I enjoyed it there.
Onward Journey to Berbice: After conducting business in Georgetown and fraternizing a bit with family and friends
in outlining areas, we journeyed up to Corentyne, Berbice; a long journey to say the least. However, the enjoyable
scenery on the way reminded me of the great memories on my last trip to Guyana in 2006.
Market Day at #79 Corriverton: One of the intriguing highlights for me was visiting the market. The variety of
produce, meats (live and slaughtered) is quite amazing. One thing I observed was that nothing was wasted on a
slaughtered animal. I observed one female butcher packaging the intestines, testis and tongue of her freshly
slaughtered bull.
One day upon visiting the busy market, a small speck flew into my eye. I could feel the terrible irritation and after
returning home, I observed that my eye was quite red and inflamed. I picked up an eye drop at the pharmacy and
started using it right away. A couple of days later while cutting my hair at the barber shop, an elderly Indian
gentleman observed my eye, even though I was trying to conceal it. He suggested boiling some rice then applying
the warm rice as a poultice onto the eye. His remedy was quite effective. Because of limited financial resources,
cost effective innovations must be employed to get things done. I guess the old adage, “Necessity is the mother of
invention” holds true here.
Camal International Home: Our first task was to make arrangements for a meal distribution/donation at Camal
International Home for the Homeless and Battered Women, Killkoy Rd, Corentyne, Berbice, Guyana. It was
decided that the home would benefit greatly from a feeding programs and donation of toiletries. A caterer was
sourced to provide pastries and finger foods for the home, cakes were provided by my wife’s family and I went in
search of drinks, ice-cream and snacks and toiletries. The items were given to the Home. Toys were also
distributed here. Camal International Home is a home for homeless children and battered women and was started
fourteen years ago by retired counselor Carmen Kissoon. It houses 38 children and four adults fulltime. They
were there for various reasons: parentless, abuse, neglect, etc, One of the touching stories was the little girl who
was raped by her father. Being a beacon of hope in such situations is priceless. Donations were also made to
individual families.
The Swamps at #50 Village: If there is one thing that I have learnt here is finding innovative ways to eat. My
“Sarroboy” (Sister-in-law’s husband) and my “Darbits”(brothers-in-law), a few friends and myself ventured through
the dense woods and swamps at Number 50 Village in search of tilapia fish. Walking through the swamps was no
easy task. We had to bury our hands up to the shoulder into the muddy banks of the swamp to get at our meal.
After a gruesome 3 hour journey and search through the muck of the swamps, being bitten repeatedly by
mosquitoes resembling flies and agitated crabs, we walked away with a half bucket of tilapia and crab for dinner
that night.
Elperazim full Gospel Fellowship: I was invited by the pastor of Elperazim Full Gospel Fellowship (Pastor: Apostle
Mohamed Alim Mursalin) in Line Path “D”, Berbice to speak on two separate nights at his church. On August 21st, I
addressed the young people of this fine church while on August 23rd, I addressed the Adult. Though a lot of
health topics (diabetes, diet, hypertension and general health topics) were discussed, spiritualism was an
important focus. Apostle Mursalin pledged his full support for future missions to Guyana and its Hinterlands. We
discussed at length ways we could work together for the benefit of the Kingdom of God.
Countdown: Time goes by rather quickly when ones interest is occupied. A few days before leaving Berbice, I had
the opportunity to experience a Hindu wedding festival. This was held at an area called Crabwood Creek. I also
had the opportunity to visit the popular beach at Number 63 Village. There we swam and continued our fishing;
this time with a swimming seine. It was my first time hauling a seine and I enjoyed it thoroughly. We collected a
bucket of various fishes (Mullet, Snucke, herring, , corass, high water, four eye & butare), lobsters, crabs and
shrimps. I am encouraged to return home and buy a seine.
Reflections: It was amazing that though I was not specifically doing a medical mission, the large appeal that came
forward for medical attention. Some have found no hope for their ailments especially in areas where quality
healthcare is not accessible (financially and otherwise). There was an outpour for me to return intermittently to
work and see patients. We will see what God has in stored. It was interesting to see one particular young lady’s
expression of hope after she learnt that I was I was in the area. She has had a deteriorating foot for over 20 years
and for the first time feels hopeful about her condition. Unfortunately, this kind of attention was not foreseen,
therefore I could not see patients as the necessary arrangements were not made with authorities for this. I did get
the opportunity however to sit in temporarily on some cases with the Medex for Skeldon Sugar Estate Primary
Health Center, Linden Blair. He is an awesome medical practitioner and a very dear friend. His confidence grew in
me and he consulted with me on occasions for trying cases. God remains faithful in allowing me the opportunity to
share and care. God has been real good!
Towards the end of this trip we traveled back to Georgetown to conclude some business. From there we went
over to Alexander village where my wife’s father was born. We took a final trip to Kuri Kuri and Hauraruni. On our
way to Hauraruni, we got a chance to experience the black waters of Splashmin’s park. Finally, settled in Timehri
Airport area and awaited our flight there. This mission taught me or rather reconfirmed my belief that mission
cannot exist without love and sacrifice. That I have made and that I pledge to continue to make.
Conclusion: The calling to be a missionary is just that; a calling. It cannot be run into or appreciated without a
purpose and a burning desire to help others while making the necessary sacrifices on the way; and there are
sacrifices! I thank God for that God-breathed desire in me to serve others. Some call it honorable; others
Christian-like. I just like to call it “human”.
As we tarry in this part of the vineyard, let us be cognoscente of the fact that life is too short to live selfishly. By no
stretch of the imagination do I consider myself to be an expert missionary, however, I do consider myself to be
blessed to have had the opportunity to serve others on so many occasions. For me, the words of Jesus rings
eternal, “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…; love thy neighbor as thyself.” Truly we are our brother’s
keeper.
For now, I bid farewell to this wonderful country and long for the day when I will touch your soil again. Fare thee
well. Voya con Dios!
By Rev. Dr. J. V. A. Humphreys, MD, FICPS
Executive Director: St. Sampson the Hospitable Missions
Ordained Minister of Religion
Physician and Missionary
Memoires de Guyana: (8th – 29th August, 2010)
Introduction: Missionary work can be extremely challenging. It garners every fiber of strength and will, that one can
muster to cope with its complexities. We all have grown accustomed to the many niceties that life has to offer.
Surrendering all of these for the plain life on a mission field is neither easy nor welcoming, however, a greater
good is envisioned and one MUST forge ahead relentlessly.
My mission trips to Haiti (post earthquake) and Ukraine were challenging, but each had its high points and each is
unique in the challenges and the personal gratification that is gleaned. Even, the feeding program I established in
Antigua (my home) has its challenges. My mission trip to Guyana was both challenging and enjoyable. There is
nothing like the lustrous scenery and forestry, the early morning outside baths, bathing in the Corentyne River with
the silhouette of Suriname shadowing behind, the exotic creatures, the frequent power outages that last for hours
and sometimes days, the little child tapping you on the shoulder from behind and staring you in the eye while
awaiting pocket change, drinking coconut water in the early mornings, the indigenous fruits and dishes (padu,
parasad, dholl and rice, coca belly fish, smoke hassa fish, Laruna fish, silver fish, basha fish, psedyum, koowa,
palouri, iguana and sous (made from the facial skin of the cow)), river fishing, the squawking parrots flying in
unison and observing varied “nations of people” working together as one nation. It is quite humbling.
Leaving Antigua for this South American plain was easier than most missions as I had my family with me for the first
time on a mission trip. I was also armed with my Blackberry with global access which makes life so much easier. I
am no stranger to Guyana having been married to a national for almost ten years, however many adjustments had
to be made as customs and traditions are different. It is not my first trip to South America but on missions each
experience is new and instructive.
Donations and Team Efforts: Toys were donated by our mission group St. Sampson the Hospitable Missions and
Rev. Rick and Bunny McFarland and Guardian Angels Catholic Church (USA). Funding for this trip was from my
clinic, Optimum Health Clinic Ltd situated at Belmont Medical & Surgical Centre (Antigua). Special thanks to Rev.
Ricky McFarland, Bunny McFarland, Gaylon Humphreys, Rev. Sue Ringler, Joy Menezes, Candacie Ramrattan &
Premchand Persaud.
Leisure and Preparations: My first few nights in Timehri were enjoyable. Nothing beats the outdoor, nature
dominant life I experienced there. Rest, a former stranger to me, had become a close companion for the first few
nights; this, despite the almost 20 family members cramped into a small room.
A few days into the trip we journeyed into the capital (Georgetown) to conduct some business. It was challenging,
especially the task of getting around. The taxi drivers must have been pleased that day. Great care had to be
taken while in transit in the town as there is always the potential of being robbed. We visited family and friends in
Sousdyke and across East Coast Demerara River to Crank, Vreed-en-Hoop where my wife’s father lives. I met that
side of the family for the first time. I enjoyed it there.
Onward Journey to Berbice: After conducting business in Georgetown and fraternizing a bit with family and friends
in outlining areas, we journeyed up to Corentyne, Berbice; a long journey to say the least. However, the enjoyable
scenery on the way reminded me of the great memories on my last trip to Guyana in 2006.
Market Day at #79 Corriverton: One of the intriguing highlights for me was visiting the market. The variety of
produce, meats (live and slaughtered) is quite amazing. One thing I observed was that nothing was wasted on a
slaughtered animal. I observed one female butcher packaging the intestines, testis and tongue of her freshly
slaughtered bull.
One day upon visiting the busy market, a small speck flew into my eye. I could feel the terrible irritation and after
returning home, I observed that my eye was quite red and inflamed. I picked up an eye drop at the pharmacy and
started using it right away. A couple of days later while cutting my hair at the barber shop, an elderly Indian
gentleman observed my eye, even though I was trying to conceal it. He suggested boiling some rice then applying
the warm rice as a poultice onto the eye. His remedy was quite effective. Because of limited financial resources,
cost effective innovations must be employed to get things done. I guess the old adage, “Necessity is the mother of
invention” holds true here.
Camal International Home: Our first task was to make arrangements for a meal distribution/donation at Camal
International Home for the Homeless and Battered Women, Killkoy Rd, Corentyne, Berbice, Guyana. It was
decided that the home would benefit greatly from a feeding programs and donation of toiletries. A caterer was
sourced to provide pastries and finger foods for the home, cakes were provided by my wife’s family and I went in
search of drinks, ice-cream and snacks and toiletries. The items were given to the Home. Toys were also
distributed here. Camal International Home is a home for homeless children and battered women and was started
fourteen years ago by retired counselor Carmen Kissoon. It houses 38 children and four adults fulltime. They
were there for various reasons: parentless, abuse, neglect, etc, One of the touching stories was the little girl who
was raped by her father. Being a beacon of hope in such situations is priceless. Donations were also made to
individual families.
The Swamps at #50 Village: If there is one thing that I have learnt here is finding innovative ways to eat. My
“Sarroboy” (Sister-in-law’s husband) and my “Darbits”(brothers-in-law), a few friends and myself ventured through
the dense woods and swamps at Number 50 Village in search of tilapia fish. Walking through the swamps was no
easy task. We had to bury our hands up to the shoulder into the muddy banks of the swamp to get at our meal.
After a gruesome 3 hour journey and search through the muck of the swamps, being bitten repeatedly by
mosquitoes resembling flies and agitated crabs, we walked away with a half bucket of tilapia and crab for dinner
that night.
Elperazim full Gospel Fellowship: I was invited by the pastor of Elperazim Full Gospel Fellowship (Pastor: Apostle
Mohamed Alim Mursalin) in Line Path “D”, Berbice to speak on two separate nights at his church. On August 21st, I
addressed the young people of this fine church while on August 23rd, I addressed the Adult. Though a lot of
health topics (diabetes, diet, hypertension and general health topics) were discussed, spiritualism was an
important focus. Apostle Mursalin pledged his full support for future missions to Guyana and its Hinterlands. We
discussed at length ways we could work together for the benefit of the Kingdom of God.
Countdown: Time goes by rather quickly when ones interest is occupied. A few days before leaving Berbice, I had
the opportunity to experience a Hindu wedding festival. This was held at an area called Crabwood Creek. I also
had the opportunity to visit the popular beach at Number 63 Village. There we swam and continued our fishing;
this time with a swimming seine. It was my first time hauling a seine and I enjoyed it thoroughly. We collected a
bucket of various fishes (Mullet, Snucke, herring, , corass, high water, four eye & butare), lobsters, crabs and
shrimps. I am encouraged to return home and buy a seine.
Reflections: It was amazing that though I was not specifically doing a medical mission, the large appeal that came
forward for medical attention. Some have found no hope for their ailments especially in areas where quality
healthcare is not accessible (financially and otherwise). There was an outpour for me to return intermittently to
work and see patients. We will see what God has in stored. It was interesting to see one particular young lady’s
expression of hope after she learnt that I was I was in the area. She has had a deteriorating foot for over 20 years
and for the first time feels hopeful about her condition. Unfortunately, this kind of attention was not foreseen,
therefore I could not see patients as the necessary arrangements were not made with authorities for this. I did get
the opportunity however to sit in temporarily on some cases with the Medex for Skeldon Sugar Estate Primary
Health Center, Linden Blair. He is an awesome medical practitioner and a very dear friend. His confidence grew in
me and he consulted with me on occasions for trying cases. God remains faithful in allowing me the opportunity to
share and care. God has been real good!
Towards the end of this trip we traveled back to Georgetown to conclude some business. From there we went
over to Alexander village where my wife’s father was born. We took a final trip to Kuri Kuri and Hauraruni. On our
way to Hauraruni, we got a chance to experience the black waters of Splashmin’s park. Finally, settled in Timehri
Airport area and awaited our flight there. This mission taught me or rather reconfirmed my belief that mission
cannot exist without love and sacrifice. That I have made and that I pledge to continue to make.
Conclusion: The calling to be a missionary is just that; a calling. It cannot be run into or appreciated without a
purpose and a burning desire to help others while making the necessary sacrifices on the way; and there are
sacrifices! I thank God for that God-breathed desire in me to serve others. Some call it honorable; others
Christian-like. I just like to call it “human”.
As we tarry in this part of the vineyard, let us be cognoscente of the fact that life is too short to live selfishly. By no
stretch of the imagination do I consider myself to be an expert missionary, however, I do consider myself to be
blessed to have had the opportunity to serve others on so many occasions. For me, the words of Jesus rings
eternal, “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…; love thy neighbor as thyself.” Truly we are our brother’s
keeper.
For now, I bid farewell to this wonderful country and long for the day when I will touch your soil again. Fare thee
well. Voya con Dios!
