A Faithful Servant Leader Since Day One
How and why did you get involved in Compassion Clinics?
I first got involved before the local Compassion Clinics started by volunteering with a group of youth from Portland/Vancouver. We went to Mexico for a week each summer to do medical, dental, bible teaching, and various construction projects. I first volunteered as one of the dentists, and later was a coordinator for the dental teams. Our group had the nickname “Asian-Caucasian Invasion,” which described our diverse group well! It was during those trips that I met Milan and Gary. They would later come up with the idea to hold local clinics. The first was called “Compasión Rockwood,” which was primarily for the local Hispanic population around the Gresham area.
What was the first Compassion Clinic like?
The first clinic was Rockwood, which was held at Portland Lutheran School. It had a decent turnout, but not as many as expected. We later found out that a rumor circulated that this was a secret government sting operation to catch illegal immigrants, so many potential visitors stayed home. Nevertheless, we stayed busy throughout the day. There were two dentists; Dr. Ken Wylie and I. We extracted teeth all day by leaning the guests against the wall while they were sitting in classroom chairs. Assistants held flashlights over their mouths for visibility, a configuration that was pretty tough on everyone’s neck and back!
What made you decide to stay with Compassion Connect all these years?
Each year, the clinics seem to continually grow and need more organization. The variety of responsibilities growing from this has been an exciting journey for me. Since the clinics began, I held roles as clinician, organizer and dental advocate. I traveled to California, Idaho, Arizona, and India to help start Compassion Clinics, and most of all, I’ve seen how God brings people together in a spirit of unity in a way I had not seen before Compassion Clinics began!
What have you learned from the journey?
I have learned most of all, to wait on God’s timing and grace. The second Compassion Clinic at Rockwood grew significantly when Mt. Hood Community College’s Dental Hygiene School decided to partner up with us and we began to treat guests both at Portland Lutheran School where the registration occurred and also at Mt. Hood’s school. A new registration and shuttle system were designed, and on paper, it looked like they would work. In reality, there was chaos, confusion, and delays in treatment.
Near the day’s end, I sat dejectedly in the parking lot at Mt. Hood, and prayed, “I’m sorry God, but that’s all I could do”. The quiet response to that came unexpectedly when I heard in my spirit the reply, “You did well today, son. I’m proud of you. I’ll take care of this.” I have observed His wonders in the clinics time and time again since then, and have been learning to keep the prescriptions of Micah 6:8–“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Do you have any funny or memorable moments to share?
There are too many memorable moments, but here are a few: I have seen the smiles of volunteers and guests despite the chaos and not being able to help everyone, or even receive help. One time I had a guest who was in line to receive dental care give up his spot for another one who wanted to be seen. I thanked him for his graciousness, and have not forgotten his kind action.
- There have been testimonies of guests who have been prayed for at the clinics and received miraculous healing from conditions that, even if seen in the medical or dental clinics, would not have been able to get adequate treatment.
- Churches of various denominations unite together selflessly to promote the goodness of God and not other selfish agendas.
- Guests at the clinics who started as persons needing help, show up at future clinics as volunteers and even leaders.
- I have seen doctors who began as volunteers in the clinics, later start their own clinics to treat additional homeless and underserved people.
- I have seen entire families volunteer together, with the husband and wife in one department, while their children help in other areas.
- Dental students volunteer who have also organized entire clinics, while they continue to keep up with the demanding rigors of their education.
- I have seen the desperation in guests who have camped out the day before the clinics to receive their care.
- Guests and volunteers have shown ingratitude and a complained, likewise, there have been those who have shown the undeserved grace of God.
- I have seen kind words defuse volatile situations.
- I’ve prayed with a man with extreme anger issues, to see him weeping with a contrite heart.
- I have seen my own family members catch the “Compassion fever” and begin their own clinic versions in other cities like Tacoma, Washington.
Is there anything you would say to those interested in getting involved in Compassion Clinics?
To our future volunteers: You will be going on an incredible journey and you will not know where it will take you, but I guarantee, the process is so worth your time and effort, and you will never be the same again!
