DCF Returns from Honduras
For the past 7 years, DCF teams have traveled to San Marcos de Colon in southern Honduras to work with the Good Samaritan Baptist Mission. A team for 15 worked very hard during the week of September 16-23. This year’s group was a little smaller than previous years, but with extra effort, we were able to render more than 700 dental procedures along with more than 200 pairs of reading and sunglasses.
Hondurans love candy and sweet beverages which accounts for a very high incidence of tooth decay. Unfortunately, there is no centralized water treatment facility in this area where fluoride could be added to offer at least a degree of protection against premature tooth loss. Many teens have already lost multiple posterior teeth. Interproximal decay at the incisors is very common and while we couldn’t solve everyone’s problem, we were able to make flipper partial dentures to replace anterior teeth for 10 people. This was in large measure due to the after hours work of Dr. James Moore with help from the dental students.
We know that God is not impressed with the amount of work that we do, just with the intention of our hearts. One of my favorite books of the Bible is Ecclesiastes. At the end of the book is great advice. Chapter 12, verse 13-14 says “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
May all the DCF undertakes be done with a heart to please God first, serve others as best we can, and to trust that somehow it all works together for good in this world that is so in need of help and hope.
