Heading to Colombia soon with medical mission team.

We have a great group of MD’s, dentists, an acupuncturist, another chiropractor, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, translators, general helpers and vision/eyeglass technicians ready to serve.

Some of us have been working together for about 18 years.  But each year brings a few new people to the team.  Recently, we changed our name to the St. Francis Medical Mission.  St. Francis was known as the patron saint of animals, the environment, and is one of the two patron saints of Italy (with Catherine of Siena).   It is customary for Catholic and Anglican churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of October 4th.  He is also known for his love of the Eucharist, his sorrow during the Stations of the Cross, and for the creation of the Christmas crèche or Nativity Scene.

 

 A few weeks ago, I was the keynote speaker for our mission fundraiser.  Mary recorded it on her phone and you can see part of it on YouTube. 

Pope John Paul II in his encyclical letter wrote, “Father, you have given all peoples one common origin, and your will is to gather them as one family in yourself.  Fill the hearts of all with the fire of your love, and the desire to ensure justice for all their brothers and sisters.  By sharing the good things you give us, may we secure justice and equality for every human being, an end to all division, and a human society built on love and peace.”

This year our team will attempt to do a bit of good for our brothers and sisters in Colombia.  Colombia is a country rich in resources and potential, but its rates of poverty and inequality are high.  Decades of armed conflict between the government and drug trafficking militias have resulted in a humanitarian crisis that constantly threatens the rights of Colombia’s people.  In rural areas there is little access to medical care, education and other social services.

 Millions of people (mainly women and children) have been internally displaced by violence.  In 2004 alone, more than a quarter million people were forced from their homes.  Displaced populations have little access to safe water and to basic health and educational services.

 One third of all children are anemic.  Stunting affects 14 percent of children under age five; seven percent of newborns have low birth weight.

 Native American and Afro-Colombian populations suffer the highest rates of poverty, and are twice as likely to have been affected by violent armed conflict.

 If you feel inspired to make a contribution to help the people of Colombia, send your contribution to our office. The address is:

Barrett Health Centers
4642 Riverstone Blvd. 
Missouri City, TX 77459

While in the country, I will attempt to send a few messages and photos through Facebook and perhaps a video to YouTube to keep you informed and involved.

As always, I depend upon your prayers.  Thank you in advance.  Wish us success!

Blessings to you and yours,

Dr. Rick Barrett

 P.S.  Mary and the staff as well as two chiropractors will be taking care of your needs while I’m away from.  I will be out of the office Monday, September 30th and returning October 7^th.  See you at 9:00 a.m.!