news article
From New York’s North Country to Zambia: Stories from a mission trip
September 9, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Dr. Donald and Glenda Schuessler are no strangers to helping others and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Dr. Schuessler is a longtime North Country pediatrician who has been treating patients for more than four decades. Outside the office, the Schuesslers are active members of First UMC in Gouverneur. Together, they’ve visited, participated, and led mission trips local and abroad to places like India; the Dominican Republic; Washington, DC; Boston, Massachusetts; Cary, Mississippi; Beverly, Kentucky; and more since the beginning of their marriage in 1978.
Beginning in 2014, they began traveling with Global Health Outreach (GHO) to offer free medical care. This summer, they packed their bags and supplies and traveled to south-central Africa. They were a part of a 17-person team that provided free medical, dental, and eyeglass clinics to people in need, including orphans through a village outreach. Their first stop was in Ndola, Zambia where they were hosted by Bishop John and Pastor Beauty Katabe of Life Way Church and Victory Christian School.
“On Sunday, August 11, we experienced a joyful and Spirit-filled worship at Life Way Church! In the afternoon we traveled to our next clinic location, Kafakumba Training Center (KTC), to meet the staff, tour the facilities, and prepare for the next two clinic days,” recalls Glenda.
Kafakumba encompasses various outreach efforts, including meeting and retreat space, school, medical and dental clinics, clean water, and much more.
“As we drove up to KTC, imagine our surprise to see the UMC cross and flame symbols!”
Click here to watch a video of their journey where they helped hundreds of people.
On the first day on the second part of their journey, the team visited the Village of Mansansa to provide medical and dental care in a pop-up triage clinic. In addition to providing one-on-one care, there was also time to offer prayer and share the love of Jesus.
In the video, one volunteer by the name of Don Ruthledge from Iowa described this as his first mission trip. He helped hand out reading glasses to more than 400 people.
“I tell you that was amazing. The excitement in their eyes and the big smile when they were able to take their Bible and read for the first time. I mean that was a blessing.”
“One gentleman was 90 years old and he walked a long distance to see if we could help him,” continued Don.
On day two of the second part of their trip, the Schuesslers and other volunteers traveled to the Baluba Village for another free clinic.
During the trip, Vacation Bible Study was offered to hundreds of children each day, feminine hygiene products were distributed, provided water filtration systems to people living in the area, offered a marriage conference, and more.
“We had delightful times in ministry and fellowship with the staff of KTC,” explained Glenda.
For more information about this particular outreach effort, click here.