Recently one of own, John Treasure was able to participate in an annual medical-dental mission in Belize and provide assistance as a cosmetic dental technician. This is a non-profit mission that was initially started in 1993. While John has not been attending since its inception, he has been a participant for several years. For one week out of the year dentists, dental hygienists, dental technicians, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other general help donate their time and talent to provide needed healthcare to those in need.
This year was a great success as dozens of these volunteers helped thousands of people who otherwise would not have had the care they needed.
A list of services that were provided includes, but is not limited to:
Fluoride program – 10,000 school age kids in 2 weeks.- Teeth cleaning and tooth brushes
- Teeth Filling
- Teeth pulling
- Full dentures
- Partial dentures
- Medical help
- Audiology
- Donation of dresses for young girls
- Scholarships given for local youth
- Food donated in the form of the “Rice and Beans” project
For those that may be interested in learning more about the project and about themselves, here are the main goals of the Belize Mission Project.
Belize Mission Project Goals
1.) To Introduce People to the Idea of Going on a Mission Trip
Many People have an interest in attending a mission trip, but are afraid of their own safety. Others are afraid they may get sick, or even hurt, as a result of traveling to a third-world country. Still others are turned away because of the ruggedness of the trip. This trip has been organized in such a way as to minimize many concerns of first time mission trip participants. It is the project’s goal to make the nature of the trip non-threatening, safe, and as comfortable as possible. It is a great trip for those that have never been on a mission trip. Many also gravitate to the Belize Mission Project because of the not-so-rugged environment and living conditions during the trip. We even have kids who often attend the trip with their parents.
2.) To Practice Medicine and Dentistry in a Christian Manner
We want to help people with medical and dental needs that have little access to these needs. These needs are provided in a loving and Christian way. This trip is a NON-profit trip and is not affiliated with any particular denomination or church, but participants are expected to act in a Christian manner There is not evangelizing as a group, however, many participants of the trip feel led to witness to the people they come in contact with during the week. Tracts are available to pass out to the people of Belize, and occasionally Bible school and Bible study are courses are offered to the locals. As a group, we do have devotions every morning before people take off for the day to the various clinic sites, and many consider these morning devotions as one of their most favorite parts of the trip.
3.) To Give Project Participants a Chance to Think About What is Really Important in Their Own Lives
A common personal goal of many trip participants is to professionally and spiritually give to those less fortunate and in need. Although this goal is accomplished, what most discover is that they too receive much, much more than ever expected. These blessings are not of the material form, but by knowing that they have made someone’s life just a little easier. The trip provides a chance for someone to go out and do something for someone else out of pure love. Knowing that they can’t repay you with money, it is here that most grasp that a simple ‘thank you’ and a big smile are both worth more than all the money in the world. By doing this, it helps put our own life into perspective.
We are very excited and proud that John could represent himself, the Treasure Dental family, and the people of Idaho in such a tremendous cause. If you too feel inclined to support somehow. Feel free to contact us here and we can get you some more information. Or, you can visit the Belize Mission Project Website.
