HISTORY

Several years ago the youth from the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau, MO, under the leadership of Rev. Jim Caughlan traveled to a sister church in Carron Hall Jamaica to help with some building projects of the church. While there the minister of the Jamaican church expressed to Rev. Caughlan the need for medical care in the area. This idea became a mission for Rev. Caughlan and when he returned home he expressed the need to members of his congregation.

Several members of his congregation said “we can do this.” Thus the first Jamaican Christian Medical Mission was born.

The first trip took place in 1999. While on this first medical mission trip over 1200 people were treated. As soon as the members of this first team returned home, planning for the second trip began.

The second trip took place in April 2001. This team was comprised of people from over 17 different churches in three states. Again on this second trip over 1500 people received medical, dental, and eye care. Had the team not made the trip, this care would not have been accessible for the people we served.

Subsequent trips were made in 2003, 2005, and 2007. We are now planning the next trip which will be in April 2009.

On all of the mission trips, the clinic is set up in the church at Carron Hall. Makeshift exam rooms are constructed by the men of the church. The pharmacy is set up in one room in the front of the church. The optical department is set up in the back of the church.

The people in the region and surrounding area are notified as to when the team will be there providing the medical care. They make their way any way they can to get to the church. Many of them walk --- many as far as 8 to 10 miles. They stand in line waiting for their turn to be seen. Unfortunately in some cases they might not be seen on the first day and have to walk back home and return the next day. But even with all of these hardships, they are so gracious and appreciative. Some of the people being treated will bring garden produce to show their appreciation. They had no money, but this was a way they could show how much they appreciated the team being there.