Local doctor to make annual mission trip
By Evan Carden SA Editor
As a physician, Dr. Norman Stevens has dedicated his life to helping others, not only in Jackson, but in other parts of the world as well. This year will be his 22nd trip to Nicaragua as part of the Baptist Medical and Dental Missions International organization. He has made trips there since 1991, with the exception of 1997.

Dr. Norman Stevens

Stevens grew up in Mt. Olive, Miss. and completed his undergraduate work at Louisiana State University (LSU). He went on to attend medical school at the University of Mississippi and completed his residency at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Since that time, Stevens has practiced medicine at Family Medical of Jackson.

He was first asked by a friend from his hometown, a pharmacist, to participate in the mission trips to Central America. "I went with his team every year between 1991 and 1995," he said. "Because the number of people from our area making the trip with me increased each year, we decided to form our own team in 1996."

Linda Reynolds is co-leader of the group, which, this June, will include 60 health care professionals, pastors and lay people. She began assisting Dr. Stevens with the mission trips in 1998.

"She (Linda) takes care of all the administrative duties," said Stevens. "In other words, she makes sure all the proper paperwork is filled out and the files are kept in order, which is a very important part of our mission."

Reynolds works as a nurse practitioner at Family Medical, so she is accustomed to keeping detailed records. "On the trips we are required to keep a record of everything we do," she explained. "That can amount to a full-time job in itself."

But, Reynolds said she has enjoyed being a part of the annual mission trips. "Dr. Stevens is a great motivator," she added. "He encourages people to help others."

For one week the group will go into a very rural area of Nicaragua. There they will set up a medical and dental clinic, as well as a pharmacy to dispense medications.

There will also be an eyeglass clinic for those suffering from poor vision. Many of the eyeglasses provided come from a collection effort in the U.S., during which people are asked to donate their old, unused eyeglasses.

A food dispensary will be established during the week to provide beans and rice for the local residents.

Spiritual counseling is also offered for people of all ages. Bibles are given away to those receiving services and a vacation Bible school is provided for the children.

A large tent for adult church services is set up, as well as a smaller one for the children. Another collection effort stateside is for toys for the children. "We like to give a toy to each child," said Stevens.

During the week-long trip, a Nicaraguan physician joins the team to establish a connection between the team and the locals. "This helps us avoid any confusion or problems that may arise," said Dr. Stevens. "We also hire language students to travel with us and serve as interpreters."

No surgery is conducted at the clinic the team establishes. If the need for surgery arises, the patient is referred to Project Life, an organization that assists in providing surgery for people in povertystricken countries. "Often some of our team members will take such a need back to their church and take it on as a service project," explained Stevens. "Many times enough money will be raised to provide a patient with the surgery he or she needs."

Team members pay a fee for the trip, which covers transportation, meals and lodging. Other costs are covered by money collected through donations and fund-raising events.

Such an event will be conducted this Friday from 6-8 p.m and Saturday beginning at 7 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in Jackson. Dubbed as the largest yard sale in South Alabama, a huge variety of items will be offered for sale to the public. "We've got some really nice items this year," said Stevens. "There are a lot of clothes, appliances and many other things of interest."

Much of the money raised will help with the purchase of medications, food for the team, beans and rice to be given to the local residents and approximately 500 Bibles.

This year's trip will be from June 21-28. Those wishing to donate money and/or items, participate as a member of the team or help in any way can contact Dr. Stevens or Reynolds at Family Medical, 246-4446.

Civic clubs, churches and others are being asked to help develop family packs to be given away during the mission trip. These should include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, combs, deodorant and washcloths.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Buried in shallow Jackson grave	2
Millry police chief's wife reported missing	1
Miss Rocker - Mr. Burpo plan October wedding	1
You can't make up politics this crazy	1
Reader responds to 'wet-dry' column	1
Area Obituaries	1
Lounge license denied in split vote	1