Loma Linda University is known for providing health care around the world. The mission trip to Jamaica did that and more as LLU carried out its mission “to make man whole” in Montego Bay, Jamaica, by holding a Global Evangelism series and a dental clinic. From June 18 to July 3, faculty and students participated in this special project.

“The mission of healing combined with teaching was overwhelmingly embraced by the Jamaican people,” says Leslie Pollard, D.Min., special assistant to the chancellor for diversity, LLU. “Increasingly, we at LLU will receive more invitations to do genuinely holistic outreach around the world.”

The evangelism series included 10 speakers who each preached at a different Adventist church in Montego Bay every evening and Sabbath morning for two weeks—a total of 16 sermons. “It’s wonderful to see people embrace the Word of God and to feel the love of the people,” says Melinda Muganzo, MBA, coordinator of training and orientation, Human Resource Management, LLU Medical Center, and a speaker for the evangelism series. “It’s a wonderful experience. I praise God for it.”

“The healing ministry of Jesus minus His teaching ministry is incomplete. The teaching ministry of Jesus minus His healing ministry is also incomplete,” explains Pollard. “Both dimensions of his ministry are needed locally, nationally and internationally. This is our calling at LLU.”

In addition to the evangelism series, the School of Dentistry held six days of dental care in Montego Bay. Three dentists, a dental hygienist, five dental students and four dental hygiene students comprised the team. Patients often lined up two hours before the clinic opened to make sure they could receive dental care.

“The clinic was unbelievably busy,” shares Rob Ford, DDS, professor, School of Dentistry. “Overall, we saw about 400 patients. Our services ranged from cleanings to surgeries and restorative work.”

On the last Sabbath of the evangelism series, all 10 churches held baptismal ceremonies. A total of 225 people were baptized.

“I think it’s really awesome for Loma Linda University to release so many members of its staff to come and participate in the evangelism series,” states Balvin Braham, president of the Western Jamaican Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. “I want to express my gratitude to Loma Linda University on how they have blessed the hearts of the people. We’re just a little disappointed that the LLU team was unable to stay longer.” “I was deeply impressed by the dedication and vision of our faculty and students,” says Pollard. “They put in long days at the clinic and then worked into the evening with our public teaching responsibilities. These dedicated persons are an asset to LLU. I was inspired to watch the skill with which our team worked across cultures in the accomplishment of LLU’s mission.”