Dodoma, Tanzania—From July 15-25, 2024, a dedicated team of over 150 volunteers from 19 countries participated in a medical mission in Dodoma, Tanzania’s capital. Dodoma was strategically chosen for its access to local hospitals (where major surgeries took place), schools (where health education was offered), and the local church (where renovations were made), allowing for a comprehensive outreach effort.
The volunteers brought medicine, supplies, equipment, and an unwavering commitment to serve those in need. Over the 10-day mission, more than 4,200 people received medical care across various specialties:
- Dental: 641 appointments
- Gynecology: 863 appointments
- Cardiology: 431 appointments
- Physical Therapy: 324 appointments
- Ophthalmology: 1,776 appointments
- Surgical Reference: 48 appointments
- ENT: 299 appointments
- Nutrition: 192 appointments
- Counseling: 236 sessions
- Internal Medicine & General Care: 4,187 appointments
- Lab: 1,503 tests
- Pharmacy: 5,326 medications distributed
- Welfare: 4,716 individuals assisted, 9,836 pieces of clothing, and 1,612 pairs of shoes distributed
- Children’s Health Education: 2,929 participants
- Meals Cooked: 3,900
The mission reached out to the broader community while also assisting the local Reform Movement family. While medical services were being provided, another group of volunteers renovated the local church in Dodoma, offering a refreshed place of worship. Children from the community were also given snacks during this time, as they watched the renovations.
The mission drew the attention of local media, and reporters arrived to interview organizers and document the impact of the initiative. Hon. Rosemary Senyamule, the Regional Commissioner, visited the site, where Brother David Zic had the chance to share the mission’s motivation and the desire to spread God’s love through service.
Opportunities to share the Gospel were woven throughout the mission. The brethren sang hymns as they waited for their appointments, counseling sessions were offered, and invitations to attend church on Sabbath were made. When Sabbath arrived, mission activities paused, allowing volunteers and local members to worship together. It was moving to see patients who had been treated during the week there, as well as to hear the testimonies of the volunteers. For some, the medical mission was their first contact with the church. They had heard about the mission trip, registered as a volunteer, and participated in a Sabbath service for the first time during the mission. One young woman from Dodoma, moved by her experience as a patient, took time off work to volunteer as a translator and worshiped with the brethren for the first time.
Throughout the mission, the volunteers witnessed miracles of resilience and healing, often beyond what was expected. Praise the Lord for the opportunity to serve, and a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors who provided additional funds when supplies ran low. We pray that the mission’s impact will result in ongoing physical and spiritual health for all who were touched.