In honor of 20 years of Compassion Clinics, we had the opportunity to hear from our Co Founder, Dr Gary Tribbett, who has witnessed the growth of Compassion Clinics from the very beginning. We pray his reflections bless and encourage you as deeply as they have encouraged us.
What inspired you to start the very first Compassion Clinic?
“While serving on a Mexico missions trip with our church, we were preparing ziplock bags with snacks, crayons and small trinkets for the kids ministry the next day. Marie Sanford said, ‘Why don’t we do this at home?’ Immediately I blurted out, ‘We couldn’t do this in the U.S. There are too many restrictions and red tape. That night as I was drifting off to sleep, the Lord spoke and said, “Who are you to say what I can or cannot do?’ When we returned to the states, I asked a doctor friend what he thought. He said it was very possible. As long as the doctors have their insurance, the states have Good Samaritan laws that protect charitable work. There were others at the church who began making the same suggestions. Then the Lord brought a Seminary student, Milan Homola, who was also interested in seeing such a work developed. We threw in together and the ball was rolling. God surprised us all with where he wanted to take it.”
Is there a particular story or moment from the first clinic that has stayed with you over the years?
“The most impactful experience from the first clinic was how eager people were to join into the idea of a free clinic. From church volunteers to dentists, to doctors, to hospitals, to social services, individuals and groups said yes with enthusiasm. The response was a clear sign from Jesus that he wanted this from his people and from compassionate people in the community. There was an atmosphere of love for neighbors and willingness to render some practical help. It was, and still is, beautiful.”
Who was the first guest or volunteer that made a lasting impression on you?
“Let’s call her Maria. Maria brought her mom to the first Compassion Clinic in Rockwood 2006. Her mom had a sore tooth treated, new glasses fitted, and medication prescribed. I ran into Maria at the Library and she introduced her mom to me. Her mom spoke no english, but her smile and hug wrote a dissertation on gratitude. Maria became a regular volunteer at future clinics.”
Looking back, what has surprised you most about how Compassion Clinics have grown?
“The surprise is how much CC has grown.”
What do you think has been the most significant impact of the Compassion Clinic over the past 20 years?
“A church pastor once thanked us for opening their leadership and congregation to searching for ways that they could reach their community by creative means of engaging in community service. The result was they were working with other churches and developing their own ministries to address community needs. Compassion Connect was merely a catalyst to other expressions of uniting to serve. This is not a one off example but one of many such results of churches experiencing working together to meet community needs with the love of Jesus.”
How did participating in that first clinic shape your own faith or life journey?
“We always know intellectually that a God who can create solar systems with a word can do whatever he wants. When you see him take a small idea and a few willing efforts and turn it into a movement in a region, the intellectual becomes a lived experience. Those experiences form the basis for a bold faith.”
If you could go back and give yourself advice on that first day, what would it be?
“While from the beginning we tried to give ownership of all CC’s ministries to the local church, this concept has been a struggle. It was never intended for Compassion Connect to own any ministry events, models, or programs. The outreach is owned, lead, and conducted by local church collaborative groups. CC’s job is to equip and train. The Church owns and operates all of the ministries. We thought that would come naturally, but it doesn’t. We still struggle to impress upon leadership that the work of CC actually is Jesus working through local churches in that community.”
If you could share one encouragement with the volunteers and guests today, what would it be?
“As a dad of two adult girls who lead non-profits, I am overjoyed watching them work together. They love each other, support each other, and serve together. That is a micro sampling of Jesus’ prayer that we be one. Our heavenly Father loves to see his children loving each other, supporting each other, and serving together. It is evident at every Compassion event and every Compassion ministry. People feel the pleasure of God as they serve in his kingdom together. Because volunteers are giving their time, energy, and resources for guests they have never met, those guests feel the love of Jesus through his people.”