There are a lot of people in India

"There are a lot of people in India” – from Lillian Wallace, retired long time missionary to India, still working at the Clara Swain Hospital, a Methodist institution in Bareilly, India. And the last couple of weeks of February, 19 American United Methodists joined those lots of people. A medical mission team originating out of Louisiana Annual Conference included Marvin & Sylvia Reimer, the doctors on the team.

Working along side of staff members – physicians, nurses, nursing students, dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, and many non-medical volunteers, 5 “camps” were conducted in Bareilly and small villages near-by, providing at least rudimentary care – vitamins, pain killers, antibiotics, and worm medicine – to almost 6000 people. Many were given letters of reference to the hospital for further care. The camps were probably more valuable for letting people know about the presence and capabilities of Clara Swain Hospital than for actual medical care, unless you were the parent of a toddler with an ear infection, bronchitis, or TB, in which case the care was pretty important, too.

“Do you think McDonald’s here serves Eggs McMutton?” – Mary Nan, an occupational therapist from LA. In a country where about half the population considers cows to be sacred, therefore no beef, and most of the others consider pigs to be an abomination, therefore no pork, one is left with chicken or mutton (which can be either sheep or goat), and we didn’t see much chicken!

We were hosted during out stay by the Warne Babyfold, an orphanage operated in conjunction with the hospital. The hospitality was outstanding; we mostly had double rooms, and not more than 4 people sharing a bathroom. Since the electricity was very unreliable, hot water was an occasional luxury, and much appreciated. The head of the orphanage was in charge of our meals, and was wonderful about serving us a variety of menus from various parts of the country. Each evening we had dinner with hospital staff members, local church officials, or the kids at the Babyfold. The kids were definitely the most fun!

“You have blessed me by your touch” – Hindi woman at camp. This was after I (Sylvia) had told her I would pray for her, but could not provide any medicine to assure a successful pregnancy (which meant to her a healthy baby boy).

As usual on such trips, the blessings received were far greater than those given. Daily worship with hospital staff, local church services with tea in the pastor’s home, hearing the dreams of young Christians working with youth, receiving the gratitude of patients even when you couldn’t really do what they want or need, being energized by the activity of Lillian, who at 80 ran circles around most of us – all of these blessed us.

Watch for more here and in Connections!