The Association of Adventist Physicians (AMA) from Brazil embarked on a 15-day volunteer mission to the Middle East. They provided free medical consultations to thousands of Syrians and Lebanese in the city of Majdal Anjar, located 70 kilometers from Beirut, Lebanon. The health professionals left São Paulo to serve the health needs of the local population in Asia before returning to Brazil after completing their mission. 

The “AMA in Lebanon” project involved 11 volunteers, including doctors, physiotherapists, dentists, nurses and other professionals. The AMA had the support of the Winners project. The project, led by Helder Cavalcanti, lives up to its name and helps Syrian and Lebanese children develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually with free classes in soccer, sewing, computing, and languages.

Helder supported the AMA team by providing accommodation and helping with logistics in Majdal Anjar, a city located near the border with Syria.

The projects we receive in Lebanon have a special characteristic: in addition to excellent technical quality, they demonstrate love for people and that makes all the difference. Since the number of refugees is so large, there are always people in need and each group that passes by can help them directly,” says Cavalcanti.

Lebanon has a population of approximately 5.5 million, of which 1.1 million are Syrians who have sought refuge in Lebanon to try to make a living in the country, away from the Civil War that began in 2011 and is still ongoing. Dr. Fabiano Luz, AMA president, has participated in many activities of this nature in Brazil and around the world, but the project in Lebanon was very special.

“There, we were able to help war refugees, people without a permanent home, without any support, and who are going through a lot of suffering. Being able to set aside time to serve others made me feel part of the work that Jesus did when He was here,” says the doctor.

One of the directors of AMA, Dr. Edson Jara, was the general coordinator of the trip. In less than a year, he went to Lebanon twice and returned to Brazil very grateful for the opportunities. “An activity like this demonstrates in practice the love of God, the care He has for each person. Being able to provide health guidance and assist needy people is like planting a seed of the gospel, because it gives us the opportunity to embrace these people, look into their eyes, smile and listen to their anguish. This makes us develop love, affection, friendship and truly feel the presence of God,” he said.

Assistance to Thousands of Syrians and Lebanese

Volunteers provided services at the Majdal Anjar City Hall and at a health clinic near the city hall. At both locations, the Adventist Medical Association provided 1,150 services, the majority of which were Muslim patients. Of these, 400 were provided by the nursing and reception staff, 360 medical consultations, 330 physiotherapy sessions, and 60 dental consultations.

“We decided to take money to buy medicine and supplies for the Syrians and Lebanese. That way, we didn’t have to carry suitcases full of medicine, which, even with up-to-date documentation, could cause problems at customs,” says Jara. The leader of the volunteer group also says that they managed to buy 4,600 dollars worth of medicine, or around 26 thousand reais, Brazilian currency, from a local medicine distributor, at prices much cheaper than in Brazil. That way, patients went for consultations and, if necessary, received a medical prescription and could pick up the medicine at no cost.

AMA members returned to their accommodation around 9:30 p.m., where they had dinner, held worship services, and assessed the results of the day's experiences before going to bed. The volunteers faced some difficulties, such as physical fatigue, fear of news of war attacks in southern Lebanon, and the Arabic language barrier that required translators. But they overcame all of these difficulties with new friendships and the satisfaction of being able to help thousands of people in need. Some health professionals brought back to Brazil souvenirs they had received from their new friends, demonstrating the affection and love between Brazilians, Lebanese, and Syrians. AMA's next trips are planned for Rio Grande do Sul, the Amazon, and Guinea-Bissau.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese website.