The 2008 trip will be held from July 26 to August 2. Please contact Fabio Socarraz for more information.

Article by Dr. Gary Ball, Zionsville P.C.

August 2007 brought yet another fulfilling dental mission trip to Quintana Roo, Mexico. This summer's team was blessed with five new team members: Drs. Ross Lawrence and Robert Grace (dentists), Cheryl Grace (dental assistance), Jenny Spencer (dental hygienist), and Lourdes Williams (interpreter). The team was rounded out with returning members Dr. Gary Ball and Craig and Emily Ball (dental assistants).

Our first two days were spent in a small Mayan village about 1.5 hours west of Cancun. Over 200 patients were treated, with approximately 450 dental procedures being performed.

The second two days were spent in another small village just about 45 minutes north of Cancun. This site also saw many patients; with some patients being seen on both days (just could not get enough of a good thing). Our dentists, hygienist, dental assistants and interpreter were true disciples of the Lord, doing His work and spreading the love of Jesus Christ. It is always interesting to see that most of our first patients on these trips are children, then the women will come as patients and then the men will come. Maybe this is to serve as a reminder to us that Jesus welcomed the children.

Unlike many other dental missions that can only provide extraction services, through the generous donations and gifts of many indivudials, the Whitewater Valley Presbytery, Zionsville Presbyterian Church, Tabernacle Presbyterian Church and Faith Presbyterian Church, this bi-annual dental mission is able to bring near first-class dentistry to these communities. When all the equipment is set up and working it many not look like a Fifth Avenue dental office, but there are not many dental procedures that we cannot perform. The equipment, organization and support that we have received on this trip and all the past trips has been first-rate and these dental teams truly do God's work, however the team members are only the hands and feet of all those that support us in one way or the other. Each time I go on one of these trips that are so well organized and supported by many others, I am reminded of a verse from one of my favorite songs, "and they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes they will know we are Christians by our love."

For more information about joining a dental mission trip, contact Fabio Socarraz.