Graduation Thoughts from Dr. Bruce Gross

I just attended the graduation ceremony for the 2020 Barefoot Doctor class. Wow! What a time of celebration. The students have worked so hard and accomplished so much.  I’m very proud of them.

The students came in their native dress.  So colorful and unique, each having pride in their heritage.  

The ceremony conferred the Barefoot Doctor degree upon them, but more importantly, it authenticated their training and empowered them to go back to their villages with confidence and expectation.  Their training will open up doors to villages where the gospel is not otherwise welcomed by the village leaders.  

As I watch the students celebrating and taking pictures (endlessly), I think of the dichotomy.  They look so beautiful, colorfully dressed, almost uppity by Burmese standards, but in 1 week they will all have returned to their villages, wearing regular tattered clothing, limited availability of food, terrible mattresses, limited water supply, outhouses, ……..you get the picture.

And yet, they are happy, joyful, and enthusiastic.  “Things” don’t matter to them. They have their newly acquired skills, along with a passion for the lost.  That combination, makes them a dynamo, a spiritual force that will take the fight to the devil as they pierce the darkness with the Light of the Word.

The Barefoot Doctor anchor scripture is Luke 9:6, “They began going throughout the villages preaching the gospel and healing everywhere”.  These young men and women are the closest thing to the New Testament apostles that you will find, given the charge to go out, minister to the sick, and preach the gospel. 

I can hardly wait to hear the stories that come out their ministry in the days ahead. I anticipate stories of healing (both with medication and with the laying on of hands), stories of villagers coming to Christ, and stories of revival in villages. 

On a personal note, God has challenged me in my personal walk with Him. I have heard the Holy Spirit clearly say, “Bruce, you can do better”.  The students have been an inspiration to me and are truly genuine believers with a servant’s heart. My prayer is, “Lord, make me more like the students”.

Thank you so much for your support and your prayers.  

Bruce

Graduation Day, 2020!

Graduation 2020 was today at 10:00 a.m. at the Kalnin Leadership Center.

19 students from Myanmar walked across the stage to receive their vests, certificates, and gifts.

This included:  Shapan Deezi, S Tin San, Dingra Nen Bey, Lar Khin Hla, Marangdong Ning Sai, Nan Kee, Du Si Heh, Phon Shong Nan Sar, Mayan Lam Isaac, Maung Ni Chay, Maung Kyawt Thar, Tin Hnin Nwe, Samuela, Aung Kyaw Oo, Mai Lal Em Par, Wan San Hti Na, Phon Bur Nin Mang, Simon, and Ying Sau.  We congratulate them all!

It was an exciting morning for everyone involved, and many photos were taken.  Thanks to J.P., video was also taken, and the ceremony will be available soon to those who had to miss it.

Here is a smattering of photos from the day.  In the next couple of posts we will tell you more about graduation day.

  

Preparations for Graduation Tomorrow!

Wow! It's hard to believe that graduation is TOMORROW for our Barefoot Doctor Students!

We are so proud of each of them, and we are so happy they are reaching this milestone in their lives!

Many preparations are being made as we get ready to have a very special day together.  Not to be forgotten, they all had to take a final examination first.  That happened this morning, and everyone passed the test!

Then this afternoon we had a walk-through for the graduation ceremony.  Everyone should know what to do now as the ceremony proceeds.

The KLC building and grounds are being prepared, too.

Graduation is at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28th.  The ceremony will be caught on video so that everyone can see it later online.  If you cannot attend, we will be letting you know how you can see the ceremony on the internet.

Observations on a Mission Trip

David Dunn, one of the volunteers from New Hope Christian Church in Virginia, shared the following observations and reflections.  I think you'll find them interesting and informative.
Jon

David writes...
As some of you know, this is my first mission trip experience to a faraway place like Thailand.   It’s only taken 62 years to finally commit to doing something like this!  But who’s counting?  It certainly helped that I was able to arrange my formal retirement from General Dynamics Corporation to coincide with the departure date for this trip.  GD was very accommodating, and that made it possible for me to travel on the same New Hope Christian Church itinerary as Pastor Jon and Dan Higgins. 

I must say the opportunity to come and support the Barefoot Doctors Program has been a superb way to begin the transition from working in the Aerospace and Defense industry for more than 38 years to living life as a retiree.   Among the things my wife, Jill, and I hope to do now is to give back a portion of our time and talent to those in need.  I’m grateful to actually be on the ground lending support where I can.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention we are also expecting our first grandchild in early March, shortly after we return home.  (It’s a girl!)  The graduation timing for the 2020 Barefoot Doctors class on February 28th matches up nicely with getting us home before her anticipated arrival.  God’s timing is perfect and our whole family is excited about the new addition. 

So far, the agenda here has been full, with training and other activities going on constantly.  With three (3) meals a day and snacks in between, there’s also been a lot of really good eating occurring.  Jon of course met the students on his previous mission trip back in 2018 and knows the faculty and staff quite well after the number of years he’s been involved with the mission.  Dan and I, on the other hand, are meeting most for the first time with the exception of Timothy whom we met in Virginia a few years ago during one of his visits.  The staff, doctors and nurse trainers have been very welcoming.

 As mentioned in an earlier posting, I’ve been privileged to lead a couple of devotional times for the students following the dinner hour and will offer another this evening as well.  Timothy and Abraham are fantastic interpreters.

Dan and I finished the bench project this morning and will be engaging in other high priority maintenance projects starting tomorrow.  Jon and I played volleyball with some of the students a few days ago.  I quickly realized I’m not 25 years old anymore and therefore didn’t contribute much to my team.

It’s evident from the unity and teamwork all around the mission that God is blessing the program. Again, it’s a privilege to be here and to observe what’s going on first hand.  The training being provided exceeds my expectations a lot.   I’m confident they’ll make a huge impact (both physically and spiritually) to those they will serve back in their Burmese villages when they return next week. 

Moving Toward Graduation!

On Tuesday we started making preparations for graduation on Friday, February 28th.

The students are each receiving white vests on Friday to signify that they are Barefoot Doctors. The vests were made by women at the New Hope church in Virginia.  We had to guess on the sizes, so the students tried them on yesterday to see which vest fits each of them the best. Then the vests will be put on them during the ceremony when they receive their certificates.

On Tuesday evening, there was another sign that graduation is drawing near.  It was an exchange of gifts and good wishes between the students and Dr. Bruce Gross, Dr. Susan Parker, and Nurse Betty Reid-White.

The students presented gifts to these three instructors first.  Ningma made a beautiful presentation that was quite emotional.  The instructors were called up to receive the special gifts the students had gotten for them. 

Then these same three instructors gave their gifts to all the students.  They have been teaching them for the past three years, so they have become very close to them.  The gifts included a waterproof bag for their trips out into the field and some t-shirts and hats from Canada (where else, eh?), as well as candy and some bookmarks.

The students also presented a special gift to New Hope Christian Church for its continuing support of this ministry.  Pastor Jon Ulm was called up to receive this beautiful plaque made out of very fine stonework.

More gifts for the students will follow on Friday morning during the graduation ceremony.

Many Activities on Tuesday

A lot was going on at the Barefoot Doctors School yesterday.

The usual classes were going on in the classroom with some case presentations by some of the students and teaching by our instructors.  The instruction is leading up to the students' final examination on Thursday.  We suspect there will be some concentrated studying for that exam tonight!

Ying Sau presenting with Dr. Susan Parker

Ramona and Eddy sharing a song

The guys from Virginia were busy finishing up the new bench that will complement the bench in front of the Jones Building. It's been a challenge to work with the very hard wood we purchased at the local lumberyard, but it's coming together.

J.P. Ferraro is here on campus making a new video to tell more about the Barefoot Doctors ministry. He and Pesaram Garu (Abraham's oldest son) have been interviewing various people.  There will be both short and long versions of this video to share. We will post photos of some of these interviews later.

(Next post - moving toward graduation!)

Sunday Worship, Evening Devotions and Special Projects

A team of three guys from New Hope Christian Church have been preaching and leading devotions with the students the past three days/nights.  David Dunn and Dan Higgins accompanied Pastor Jon Ulm this year, and they are proving very helpful to the students' spiritual lives.

Pastor Jon preached in the worship service conducted by the students at the Kalnin Leadership Center on Sunday, February 23rd.  The students led the rest of the service, including several special music numbers that were simply beautiful.

Devotions are being held each night in the dining hall after supper.  David has taught the devotional message two nights now and Dan one.  The students sing a song or two and then one of the men teaches the Word of God.  It's a good way to wrap up each day, and these devotions will continue throughout this week.

David Dunn teaching

Dan Higgins teaching

David and Dan have also been building a second bench to use on the porch of the Jone's Building, the place where our classes take place.  The students will be helping to make this bench, just like an earlier class helped with the first bench several years ago.

Bench built in 2012

 There are a couple of other physical projects these men will be doing this week, and we are grateful for their help!

Medical Teaching Continues - the Last Week!

Our doctors and nurses are finishing up their final instructions for the Barefoot Doctors this week.  Teaching continues every day until Thursday when the students will take their final exam.

We are happy to still have Dr. Susan McDowell and Nurse Betty Reid-White with us.  They have been invaluable members of the staff this year again.  They are so devoted to our students.  This afternoon part of the instruction included taking blood sugar and checking blood pressure.  These services are much needed in Myanmar.

Dr. Eddy and his wife, Ramona, are here as well, as you know from the previous post.

Dr. Eddy, a dentist, practices in Burma and is especially helpful because he can teach the students directly in their own language.  He is a very good teacher and has actually been showing the students how to use the ultrasonic scaling machine with live patients.  The students have also used the scaling machine on each other.

Dentistry!

I am happy to share another bit of news from Dr. Bruce Gross.  It's also good to actually be in Thailand now, along with Dave Dunn and Dan Higgins.  (Happy Birthday, Dave!)
Jon Ulm

Dentistry

This week Dr. Eddy and his wife Ramona came to be with us to teach dentistry.  He has a dental practice in Myanmar. They both have a burden for the lost and were eager to teach in our Barefoot Doctor program again this year.

   

Dr. Eddy focused on preventative health and oral hygiene.  He instructed the students in the importance of brushing and flossing. They also learned about periodontal disease and how to treat common dental ailments.  Each student then practiced teaching about dental health to the rest of the class, just as if they were talking to their villagers.

In Myanmar, dental hygiene is not stressed as it is in America.  Many people have terrible dental health and often build up thick plaque on their teeth.  If not treated, they will lose their teeth prematurely, usually one at a time, with pain, and often with infection that spreads into other parts of their body.  

Enter, The Scaling Machine:  Eddy instructed the students in how to use an Ultrasonic Scaling machine to remove the thick plaque.  After instruction, each student practiced using the scaling machine on each other.  Upon completion of the Barefoot Doctor course each student will be able to take a scaling machine and basic dental instrument pack home with them. With this machine and their skills learned this week, they will be the most sought-after people in their villages.  And you know the heart of the barefoot doctor – they can’t separate delivery of health care from sharing their faith in Christ.  

Thank you Dr. Eddy and Ramona.

Pray that the Barefoot Doctors will find favor with the village leaders and with the villagers.  Holy Spirit, go before them to prepare the hearts of those who will hear the plan of salvation by our students.  May the villagers be receptive and hungry. 

Thank you for your prayers. 

God is Good!!

Bruce